Page 94 - The Decorative Painter Summer 2014

The feather has been an object of beauty and mystical powers for thousands of years. Primitive man used feathers in magic, and to adorn his body and weapons. For
ancient Egyptians, feathers symbolized spiritual evolution, and ascension to a higher plane. Native Americans still honor birds and feathers today by using images of eagles and their feathers in tribal logos.
The earliest example of man painting on feathers dates back to nineteenth-century European seafarers. They paint- ed depictions of their ships and journeys on feathers, gifting them to their loved ones as keepsakes. Whatever the sub- ject matter, the beauty of the feather and its uniqueness as a painting surface render painted feathers true treasures.
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ACRYLIC
Painter’s Checklist
SuRFACE
Sweetgrass (or similar) tail covert tur- key feather, height 7" to 9" (17.78 to 22.86cm), width 21⁄4" to 3" (5.72 to 7.62cm)
PALETTE
DECOART AMERICANA ACRYLICS Antique Gold
Burnt Umber
Honey Brown
Lamp Black Moon Yellow Snow White
BRuSHES
LOEW-CORNELL
GOLDEN TAKLON
Series 7300 nos. 4, 6 & 8 shaders Series 7350 no. 10/0 liner SCHARFF BRUSHES
GOLDEN TAKLON
Series 455 no. 1 Dresden liner
SuPPLIES
Basic painting supplies (page 127) Clipboard, 9" x 12" (22.9 x 30.5cm) Aleene’s Tacky Glue
EZ Dotz Tool (optional)
Krylon Clear Acrylic Matte Spray varnish Loctite FunTak Mounting Putty
Rubber bands (2" wide)
Saral Wax Free Transfer Paper
(white or yellow)
SOuRCES
Turkey feathers are available by the dozen from Porter’s Rare Heritage Turkeys at www.porterturkeys.com; (260) 243-1365; porterturkeys@aol.com. It is important to purchase feathers from licensed farms where non-migratory birds are raised according to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
92 The Decorative Painter • ISSUE NO. 2, 2014