1st Try Painting a Decoy

PaleoDan

PaleoDan

Member
I received my decoys today from Mike and I took a shot at painting my first Mallard. I could use some feedback and suggestions. I tried to go from pictures as best I could but I am not sure I like it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

http://paleodan.multiply.com/photos/album/30/Duck_Decoys#photo=1
http://paleodan.multiply.com/photos/album/30/Duck_Decoys#photo=2
http://paleodan.multiply.com/photos/album/30/Duck_Decoys#photo=3
http://paleodan.multiply.com/photos/album/30/Duck_Decoys#photo=4
 
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Dan,

That bird will hunt! Don't get hung up on the small details. Step back 15 yards and ask yourself, "does it look like a duck?" All that "fine detail" stuff will blend in and go away from a distance. I'm always too critical of my paint but ducks don't care -they're getting shot at if they get any closer than 30 yards. So how good is good enough?
 
What type of paints are you using Dan? Try some burnt umber , or raw sienna mixed with a little black to get that nice Chestnut color on the breast
 
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Dan,I think they look great! I am trying the same thing with some Black ducks,I will post mine soon,keep up the good work! Brian Rippelmeyer
 
Thank for the comments. If nothing else it is very relaxing.

I am using Acrylics and will pick up those colors mentioned. I was going to try the oils but they seemed more involved for my first try so I went simple for now.

I also purchased a canvasback drake and will start in on him after I finish this one.

Any suggestions on a keel? Do I just carve and weight a piece of wood?

Also would love to see examples from others.

Thanks again

Dan Herrera
 
Daniel,
A piece of 1X2 white oak will do for your keel. Round the edges so it doesn't dent other dekes, mount with 2 part epoxy and long screws. For ballast weight your can drill holes into it on the top, decoy side and either pour molten lead into it or fill with pellets and epoxy mix, then mount on the decoy. Be sure and drill a hole at front end for line attachment before mounting it on decoy.

Test float the keel before permanent placement by using a rubber band to hold it and float in a tub. Adjust keel placement for level float, mark the position then attach.

Now get some more done for next season.
 
Dan, don't be afraid to mix colors to get just the right shade that you want. Many decoy makers paint in different ways. The browns you have coming off the chest and down the wing slots is how I paint also, but I have seen guys who paint the brown in the form of a "w" from the back meaning the brown goes up the spine and into the wing slots from the butt forward. It's all about what looks good to you. As Dave said before, we are more critical about our painting than the ducks are. We just need to fool them for a minute at best. Unless you are trying to get a duck to propose to one of your decoys, I think they look just fine and ready to hunt. If you want to put them on a mantel and have people judge them, then just take some more time in the blending and the finite details. Nice job...dc
 
I took a shot at the other decoy, the Canvasback, and am a bit happier with the way it turned out. I appreciate all the comments.

I am going to make the changes to the Mallard when I can get the paint. Also heading out to the hardware store to get the oak for the keels.

http://paleodan.multiply.com/photos/album/30#photo=5
http://paleodan.multiply.com/photos/album/30#photo=6
http://paleodan.multiply.com/photos/album/30#photo=7
http://paleodan.multiply.com/photos/album/30#photo=8
http://paleodan.multiply.com/photos/album/30#photo=9
http://paleodan.multiply.com/photos/album/30#photo=10

Thanks

Dan
 
I like 'em. I'd put steel shot into them anyday. Nice job. Have you ever tried combing? That is a great way to put the feather detail on the back and sides of the canvasbacks. dc
 
Dave;

Thanks - I have not heard of combing. Can you give me an example of what it looks like or how to do it?

Thanks again

Dan
 
Dave;

Thanks - I have not heard of combing. Can you give me an example of what it looks like or how to do it?

Thanks again

Dan
Click to expand...

Dan,
Combing......if you go to my website and scroll down to ... decoy painting, you'll find a tutorial on painting the Drake Pintail. It's a pdf file and you can view it there or download it to your computer for reference later. In there I explain the combing and dry brushing. Holler with any questions: www.lockstockbarrell.com
Lou
 
Dan, combing is just that...combing. You use a very small plastic comb (bought thru decoy supply stores...the duckblind.com sells them) which is made for combing the vermiculation. Vermiculation is the fine squiggly or worm like lines found in the side and back feathers of many ducks. The process usually starts by painting the white area of (in this case...your canvasback) a solid black or dark grey. Once this area has dried, a coat of white goes over it and just before it is completely dry, you "comb" squiggly lines through the white paint exposing the black paint underneath. View attachment comb.jpgView attachment vermiculation.jpg Hope this helps Dan.
 
Guys thanks for all the replies. That looks like a great technique to add some nice detail.

Appreciate the suggestions and the PDF!

I will place my order today.

Dan
 
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