original watercolor aceo 2.5 x 3.5 7/2012
I rarely paint tropical birds. This one is a commission. I had a housecleaning client who had a solarium where he kept some very large parrots in some very large cages with their very large doors open. The birds hated me. I don’t think it was personal, but rather because I carried a hugh feather duster in my belt. One of them used to hide in closets and spring out at me. I had similar experiences with other parrots on my client list. I was bitten and attacked a number of times. To this day I give them a wide berth but I understand that their owners love them.
Gretchen Del Rio's Art Blog 
Parrots are pretty cheeky and can be quite intimidating when they feel cornered or threatened. Great painting 🙂
Thanks for your comment. I think it had something to do with the giant feather duster.
The painting is beautiful. You don’t paint from photos?
Oh yes I do. I usually begin with a photo as a base and sketch from there. I combine photos and add from memory. When I paint it turns into feeling the animal. I also use my old sketches in my old drawing books. I use the sketch to make sure that I have the proportions the way I want but the character comes through the brush.