First coat of gesso

    This afternoon I applied the first coat of gesso to the fully sealed carving.  This first coat almost completely concealed the dark brown of the burned areas.  The second coat should provide the uniform white base coat for applying the different washes of color that will be the actual color of the bird.  Looks different, all white.

     I found a small area at the edge of one wing where I hadn't defined the feathers completely.  Don't know how I missed it.  I will have to to the detailing, and re-gesso the area before I continue.  I will let the carving dry completely before attempting that little repair job.

    I remembered from early in the carving process that the bird would stand up vertically on a tripod formed by its wingtips and tail.  It is pretty steady, but I won't leave it that way for too long, just until the gesso is dry.  A bump on the bench might cause it to fall over!

    Two more hours, for a total of 111.