Made by Jon Keller
I have made a lot of birds , but this is my first cockatoo .
The armature was made with aluminum foil , cardboard and wood .
The paper mache was made with newsprint .
I made a newsprint pulp and sculpted it as if it were clay.
After it was dry I did some additional shaping with sculpting tools.
I varnished it with polyurethane before I painted it to reduce the absorption of the paint into the paper mache .
The paint job was done with acrylic paint .
Early Stages of Making the Cockatoo
Painting the Cockatoo
Beautiful! Enough said~
I’ve never made mâché with newspaper but it sure works for you! Great job and love the colors!
Thanks Pat .
I used the free local newspapers that you can get at the supermarket. The low quality of the newsprint breaks up nicely when you soak it and run it through a blender. It makes a smooth paper mache that’s easy to work with when wet , and carveable when dry.
I didn’t know the grocery stores had free local newspaper. Where do you ask? I really like the fact that it can be carved when dry.. Do you mix the blended newspaper with glue or just use it plain?
Many supermarkets around here have stacks of local newspapers ( PennySaver type of newspaper )by the exit doors . You don’t have to ask … they want you to take them as they are full of local ads.
After the paper is blended ( in a blender ) I squeeze out as much water as possible by twisting it in a piece of cloth . Then I knead it with white glue ( I use Elmer’s school glue, which I buy by the gallon ). I store it in a plastic bag and add a little more glue just before I use it.
Thanks Jon for the info. I haven’t seen stacks of newspapers at the supermarket but I will start looking. Thanks for all your good info!
Jon, you do stellar work. I always enjoy your creations. (I thought I left a comment, but I don’t see it.)
Thank you Rex…… I’m glad that you enjoy my work and I appreciate your comments.
Thank you Ali.
I have about 30 pieces posted on Jonni’s fabulous site ,Ultimate Paper Mache.
I think that if you click on my name , under my project, it will give you an opportunity to see all my projects.
Really lovely . Not just the the construction of the bird but also the colouring. Just beautiful. I have not seen any of your work before this, but I am looking forward to seeing more, maybe in the future. Thanks for sharing this.
Jon, you’re always an inspiration to me because of the accuracy & beauty of your work, & your very clear, methodical photos. Thanks for sharing. Have you seen any Major Mitchell cockatoos? They’re a stunning crimson & black colour. (sorry for all the & symbols, I’m having trouble with my keyboard & it won’t type the letter after ‘C’)
Thank you Joan .
I have never heard of Major Mitchell cockatoos . But I do find all birds fascinating , and have sculpted several.
The plumage on a cockatoo is particularly interesting, and makes for a worthy sculpting project.
It’s stunning, Jon. Thank you so much for showing it to us – and I love the progress photos! It’s always fun to see the different stages of a project.