Fine Tuning the Fine Feathers

With the head fitted onto the  body, it is time to refine the body of the duck.  First, however, I noticed that when I was adding this post, I discovered that text was missing from the 12/26/12 Post named Cut & Rough Out the Body.  As a result I edited this so if anyone cares to, they can go back and read the additions to the last 1/2 of the photos.

Int he 12/26/12 post, I discuss the fact that the butt of a duck is nearly perfectly round and when viewed from the rear can be seen as a series of concentric circles.

So here is the proof!!!  This is a photo of a Mallard and the feather coloration of this bird helps to demonstrate just how round the butt of these birds really is.   This also displays the shape of the tail when viewed from the rear.  It is not flat but rather tented and slightly curved.  The curvature is more pronounced on puddlers ( i.e this mallard). than it is on divers (i.e the Canvasback bird I am working on).

With the rough shape done, the refinement continues beginning on the sides.  Here the wing feathers are drawn in and refined.  By drawing the feathers in, it helps to create and ensure the flow of the feathers as well as highlight high spots and areas that need to be refined and carved more.

Closer view of the wing feathers .  the primary feathers are still quite thick to ensure that if they need to be taken down to ensure flow that there is enough room to do the.  Also, at this stage the handling of the bird is a bit rough with lost of turing, twisting to be able to get the cutters, knives and bits where they need to go.

Here is the development of the other side of the bird.  Here the wing is tucked into the side pocket and the feathers that are exposed are only the tertial and primary feathers of the wing.  

Nice close up view of the exposed wing.  There are two or three spots where the feathers will be separated to give this a very realistic feel.

Time to plop the head on to ensure things are still in the right flow and direction...and to admire it as well.  It is these few moments of gratification that keep me going to the next spot.  Sometimes, however, it is an "OH CRAP" when the flow has been disturbed.  As a result, frequently placing the head on and looking at the bird from several angles and from several feet back, helps ensure that I don't get carried away in the minutia.