Green Finch Carduelis chloris
A Green Finch watercolour sketch. The Green Finch is a regular visitor to our garden and they usually nest in the Ash Trees every year. They tend to feed in groups and are easily spooked. This watercolour is based on a Green Finch sitting in one of our Birch Trees not far from the bird feeder. The bird will survey me, from this position and wait for me to disappear before diving onto the bird feeder. Once the males have settled on the bird feeder, there seems to be a mass descent of the females. Though I only have to make the slightest sound or movement and they all soon scatter.
Green Finch painting process
For this watercolour I used drier washes, so I could add more layers to get that yellow and green tone of the Green Finch. So I painted a yellow wash first, then I painted the first layers of red and brown watercolour mixes to the bird’s beak and claws. Then I painted the darker tail feathers of the bird. Then I mixed a blue pigment with the yellow to create a vibrant light green mix for the head and body of the bird.
As I built up the layers of watercolour I added more blue pigment to achieve a stronger green tone. This was a weaker wash, so I didn’t lose the initial yellow washes. I applied quick, short strokes of paint to achieve feather movement. Then the final layers were a light brown mix to add depth to this wild bird.
Finally I painted the eye of the Green Finch and hopefully I’ve captured that menacing look, that they have. Overall I’m happy with the balance of yellow and green tones.