#434 In the studio: Bird anatomy, con't . . .

Please start this bird anatomy series with post #403,  March 10.

Below are clarified drawings of grouse and quail with folded wings.  The two species are similar, are classified in the same order, Galliformes, and although quail are smaller, their shapes and form resemble each other.

Both have one of the four basic wing shapes discussed earlier in Post #423, May 5, 2013.

Shown below, is a clay model of a quail species - Gambel's Quail - that resides in the Western United States.

Formal sparseness of design, the use of negative space and clarity of silhouette was my goal while modeling this sculpture: Negative space balances and supports the subject and gives visual activity to the composition.  
The arrangement of positive and negative shapes forms the design and creates a new dimension to the image.  Painters use the elements of color, perspective, value and shape to create a composition . . . 
sculptors design with positive form and negative shapes.

Shown below, is a clay model and different composition of the same species . . . Gambel's Quail.

My goal while designing and modeling the quiet pose below was clarity of 

silhouette and organization of positive and negative shapes. 

Harmony and the simple placement of the figure in nature is evident as vision 

accepts the negative shape and thinks of it as a totally separate form.  

Sculpture is the arrangement of shapes - both positive and negative.

Gambel's Roost
8"H 12"W 8"D

 Gambel's Sunset
10"H 12"W 9"D

All sculpture, and drawings - copyright Sandy Scott