We left off with these Raptors in a beautiful Gold & Grey-Green color after rinsing the Acid Wash and allowing time to completely dry. As I mentioned last week, I like this look and will incorporate it as a final finish for the body color with a couple of future Raptors to join the Park. However, these guys are getting the full treatment. The next step is to coat with Rust Reformer. It converts the remaining rust to a primer and provides a cool flat black finish. Another consideration for using this look for the final body color. Can You imagine painting just the eyes, teeth, tongue and maybe the claws with the flat black for rest! Pretty Scary! But not this time. I start with the Raptors on their sides to allow coating the bottom of the support frame, inside the legs and other tight places underneath.
The next day it’s time for the Rusty Brown Primer. Again, starting on their sides. After a couple of hours, the Raptors are dry enough to stand upright and finish with the primer. Let cure completely for another day. Then we start adding some color. Last week we discussed the wrists position on these Raptors. They should be bird like moving from side to side vs. the begging puppy look. I’ve provided some examples of other Theropods on display at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles to reflect the correct positions – an Allosaurus and T-Rex.
We also discussed the colors birds can see. Below is a Chart showing the ranges of colors we see and the expanded range for birds provided by Allison J. Shultz, PhD Assistant Curator, Ornithology Research & Collections NHMLA. It is believed Dinosaurs being ancestors of Birds could see the additional range of colors, as well. In addition, Nathan D. Smith, PH.D Associate Curator The Dinosaur Institute NHMLA provided an article from Science Magazine regarding Feathers on Velociraptor. The article is from the September 21, 2007 edition of Science. The Study confirms the existence of Quill Knobs on the arms of Velociraptor. Therefore, Velociraptor and some Nonavian Theropod Dinosaurs were at least partially covered in Feathers or Filamentous (thread like) Protofeathers. With all the bird connections, I believe Dinosaurs were brightly colored. I selected colors for these Raptors accordingly. Hammered Verde Green and Gold Rush Metallic for the body. What Do You Think?
Stay tuned for the addition of more colors for these Raptors to accent the eyes, mouth, tongue and teeth!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Join Max the T-Rex and I at the City of Camarillo Library for a Reading
of Dinosaur Fun Facts & Fiction Followed by
a “How to Draw Dinosaurs” Activity
on March 12th at 7:00 PM
4101 Los Posas Road, Camarillo
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
Your feedback is appreciated, Thank you!