Layer upon Layer

The darker a painting is, the more washes of paint that went into it. Tui in particular take quite a bit of working up to achieve the depth of colour that creates a similar lustrous effect like that on their feathers.

The first couple of layers rough out the shape, while the next ones start defining the tui's form.

Once the form is starting to take place, the planes of the feathers are worked up; until lastly the details within her plumage.

 

Finally she is finished, with the addition of her poi and collar feathers.

You can see additional images on Toggle, where she is available for purchase
http://www.toggle.co.nz/ella-thomas.html