The hoatzin is taking shape in the studio, with warm rust, ochre and muted green bringing out its distinctive feather patterns.
I’m exploring Derwent Inktense washes and Bombay ink details, building colour in thin layers and working feather by feather, with some areas still in light pencil.
The hoatzin’s striking crest makes it a fascinating subject. Its chicks have claws on their wings to help them climb through branches.
This artwork is part of the development towards a moving model, where the separate components will come together as an articulated bird.
