So how does Amanda paint these highly detailed paintings? Firstly, she comes up with a concept and researches the birds– in this case Sulphur-crested Cockatoos.
Secondly, she studies such things as colours, primary and secondary feathers, proportions, habitat etc.
Thirdly she begins to sketch up possible scenarios. Balancing the picture, getting proportions correct, are vital at this stage. All Amanda’s works are freehand original designs not copied from photos or books.
Fourthly, it’s time to paint! Moving from left to right on the page Amanda begins with softer washes and then builds up detail later. She uses Gouache which is a water based pigmented paint.
Amanda is self-taught as an artist having had no formal training.