Plate 61: Blue Crow(?), Jackdaw, Chickadee or Tit, and Other Birds
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows five birds perched on bare branches and a small mound of dirt. The birds are painted in bright blues, blacks, and earthy browns. One bird has a bold blue body, another is all black, and the others mix browns and blues. The background is a simple gold circle with a few green leaves. The artist used watercolor and gold paint on parchment, which gives the image a delicate, glowing look. The birds seem to be studied closely, almost like a science drawing. Next, check out the technique: watercolor, glazing to see how artists built up colors like this.
