Macaws

These macaws were photographed at the Jurong Bird Park in December last year. I made a print of the digital image intending to paint these magnificent birds someday. Today, I thought I would just do an ink drawing to understand the form, texture and colour tones before I commit to painting with either oil or acrylic. The drawing enabled me to discover the intricacies of the layers of feathers and that there are really more colours than what the eye sees at a glance. These birds are really examples of the endless wonders that nature possesses.

Blue and Gold Macaw

Found out that the name of this macaw (name for colourful parrots found in South and Central America) is just plain and straightforward 'Blue and Gold Macaw'. This one here unfortunately was not at liberty to fly around and it is in a setting that it should not be at. Birds are meant to be free and to enjoy their lives in their natural habitat.

Apart from preening its feathers being chained all the time to a bicycle, this Macaw has no choice but to carry on its existence far away from its home.


What joy it must be to glide through the deep jungles of the Amazon - it can only be a dream now. And this beautiful bird is not alone in its plight.