Tuesday 8th March 2016
Digital drawing
55 Comments

Greencheeks

reddit-17-1

Why do birds suddenly appear…?

I had no idea it was Draw A Bird Day in these parts until I read as much from Laura’s entry on Create Art Every Day, so what we have here is an honorary entry at best. Or perhaps I did know, and that’s why this Reddit Gets Drawn snap leapt out and convinced me to draw a bird today. His name is Mac, and googling ‘green bird with red tail’ suggests it’s the green-cheeked conure – they look like wonderful pets and now I want one! I wonder how well they get on with African Greys…? Hmm.

I usually time myself when dealing with Reddit volunteers, as you know, but for some reason decided against that today and took my sweet time – this ultimately took just over three hours. I didn’t half wear my wrist out with all those feathers/curves – it’s not known pain like that for a while. Never mind, eh! I deliberated over the colour of the background for a long time, then thought, sod it, why not have every colour. Photoshop’s gradient tools to the rescue, there.

You can see the comment thread here, which already contains a number of beautiful pieces.

Well, now all I have in my head is The Birdie Song. I’m not even going to embed that. But I am going to link to it as I’ve made the fatal error of searching YouTube for it. Click at your own risk.

55 comments

  1. Jay, he is amazing, what a cheeky chap. I know what you mean with those PS curves, wrist ache….you want to stop, but keep going, you think, have a break, make a cup of tea…..after a few more……oh keep going, nearly there, lol. I like the back ground with the mixed colours, it works fantastically with the vibrant parrot colours. Your sub conscious must have known it was draw a bird day. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      That’s exactly it, Rebecca – I was so desperate to continue but thought I’d better not kill my wrist, so went and had some tea before resuming. Thankfully it went away! So glad you like the chap, thanks so much!

      (Oh and by the way, just to say: lots of positive stuff floating around on twitter re the new Crystal Maze from the people testing it out – I so want to go now!!!)

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Oh I forgot to look up reviews, I will look tomorrow as this iPad keeps cutting out, low battery, despite being plugged in, think I have worn it out today on YouTube watching art demos, thanks to Lauracreatearteveryday….I need to subscribe to artist network, I have a taste for it now 😀

        Liked by 2 people

      • Jacob said:

        I don’t know much about iPads but it sounds like the battery is about as reliable as the one in my iPod!

        Yes, the maze sounds quite promising. I also read it’s sold out until November!!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Jacob said:

        Yeah, the demand is insane! I never would have thought the tickets would fly that quickly.

        Liked by 1 person

      • No, nor did I ……proof is that it was a great show, maybe they will open more up around the country, although I am sure London will still be closest for me.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Geke Hop-Wassink said:

    He’s really beautiful, so great drawing ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      Thanks so much Geke, he was a fun little character to work with!

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Geke Hop-Wassink said:

        Your good at drawing animals, so hope to see more 😉

        Liked by 2 people

      • Jacob said:

        I’ve little doubt there will be more to come!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Geke Hop-Wassink said:

        We will see and time will tell haha 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  4. You made his feathers so soft and fluffy, and his beak hard and shiny, just like the real thing! What a cutie!

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Jacob said:

      Thanks, Teresa – the feathers were frustrating and fun in equal measure! Aren’t they wonderful? Such a lovely green, and apparently quite the chatterbox, too 😛 I want one!

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Jacob said:

        Haha! Have I told you before? 😉 I have an African Grey, and she once swore (wanker) at a house guest! Oops! I hasten to add I did not teach her the word. I swear!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Suuuure, you didn’t! 😀 Talking birds are like little kids…they pick up the darndest things and repeat them at the worst times. LOL!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Jacob said:

        Ha! That’s exactly what they’re like. She doesn’t normally make a sound when there are people in the room!

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Well this is a stunningly gorgeous fellow you have here!! Awesomely drawn Jacob! I want to pet him and call him my own!! Those feathers are so beautifully rendered… he’s he looks a bit like he wants a kiss. 😉 Bravo! Love this one!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      Thanks, Charlie! He was great fun to draw! And he’d probably ask you for one, as apparently they’re quite the loudmouth (which makes me want one even more than the lush colour feathers). Though with that beak he’s probably more after a peck. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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  6. Bill Fufkin said:

    I’ve gone all aflutter…I think that’s a word…I struggle lexically in my dotage! A masterful parrot, Jacob, and most excellently done. B

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      It is most definitely a word, Bill, and it’s a great compliment – as always, thank you kindly!

      Like

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    • Jacob said:

      Oh thanks so much, Susan! I’m chuffed that you like it!

      Liked by 1 person

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  8. Wonderful post Jacob, Mac is a very handsome and intelligent looking bird. He looks like he is ready to hop out of the screen. And, I always love hearing the Birdie Song!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      Thanks, Sharon! Haha, I’ve had The Birdie Song trapped in my head ever since making this post.

      Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      Oh Laura, that’s so sweet of you to say. We’ve put together quite the enviable aviary between us!

      Liked by 1 person

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  10. Such a cutie! And the background is awesome too!!! I’m glad a cup of tea restored your restored your wrist :-). Do you have an African Grey?

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      Thanks Myriam, on all counts! I do indeed have an African Grey, she’s also a lot of fun!

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Do you have other birds too? How long have you had her?

        Hope you don’t find my curiosity too nosy. I don’t have any pet birds. But after reading a book recently about a bird rehabilitator, I’m curious about human and pet bird interactions. A lady I met at the supermarket recently, by chance, told me about eating meals with her various species of parrots. Neat stories 🙂 .

        Liked by 1 person

      • Jacob said:

        Haha, it’s okay! I’ve had her almost ten years now – ten years this autumn. She’s sixteen in November, though. I don’t have any others myself, no.

        Liked by 1 person

    • Jacob said:

      Oh no – I think I’ve broken Michael again! I must stop doing this!

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Many years ago I was at a sort of family reunion with my (now ex-)wife who was German. One of my cousins had married an Austrian woman, and her mother was also at the party. For some reason the DJ kept playing the Birdie Song and everytime he did, the Austrian mother grabbed my wife and made her do the awful dance – much to her horror! I don’t think I’ve laughed so much since…

        Liked by 1 person

      • Jacob said:

        Ha ha! Oh no, isn’t it awful when people frogmarch you onto the dance floor? Though at least it made you laugh, I suppose! I would have similar ordeals with my friends at college, typically with ‘classics’ such as YMCA or Macarena, because apparently the sight of me ‘dancing’ is hilarious. Urgh. I think I’d have rather done The Birdie Song! 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  12. itsmyhusbandandme said:

    I can almost hear him squwack!
    JP

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      And then cheekily swear at you? He won’t do that, because he’s not mine. 😉 Thanks, JP, as ever!

      Like

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  13. Lee Hesketh said:

    He is so cool and pretty, I want him as well! Amazing work Jay.

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. jmnowak said:

    You’ve captured their cheekiness…all brands of parrots make fantastic pets, and we have a few here, especially the very cheeky budgerigar (which is also usually a pale green), the sulphur-crested cockatoo, and the downright beautiful lorikeets. Do get one, Jacob! It will be a great companion for your other one, and they will keep you entertained for hours! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      Thanks, Janina! If it’s cheeky then it’s a success! My sister used to have a cockatoo; his favourite trick was to make the sound of her telephone, to trick her into believing it was ringing. Worked every time 😉 I’d love one – perhaps, one day!

      Liked by 1 person

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  15.  

    Pingback: Draw a Bird Day Roundup for March 2016 | method two madness

  16. The Leaf Diary said:

    Here is a pretty bird!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      Certainly is! Thanks for your comment.

      Like

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  17. dawnmarie said:

    I was looking at some of your animal posts today including this one. They have expression in their faces. I like that. This little guy is pretty sassy. Love the green.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Jacob said:

      Thanks, Dawn – I appreciate that, glad you enjoyed them! This chap looks a character for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • dawnmarie said:

        He does!

        Liked by 1 person

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