Iberian Imperial Eagle

This is the sketch of the next sculpture that will be modeled. It is inspired by a photo obtained from another author and trying to make a composition of three Iberian imperial eagle (aquila adalberti) with their dark feathers and its characteristic white shoulders, on an oak branch ...I probably embarked on a complicated ( 1:20 scale) but we will see how it turns out.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

...."The Iberian imperial eagle averages 180–210 centimetres (71–83 in) in wingspan, and darker than its eastern cousin with bright white shoulders and is a resident species (eastern imperial is partially migratory). It feeds mainly on rabbits, but can prey on many other animals, such as partridges, rodents, hares, pigeons, crows, ducks, foxes.
The species occurs in central and south-west Spain and adjacent areas of Portugal, in the Iberian peninsula. Its stronghold is in the dehesa woodlands ( mediterranean ecosystem) of central and south-west Spain, such as in Extremadura, Ciudad Real and areas in the north of Huelva and Seville's Sierra Norte..."

First of all, modeling of dead oak that will provide support to the group of "imperiales".
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Start modeling the first eagle, I think the more complicated. With internal structure in aluminum foil to give strength
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

The modeling of the first imperial eagle is completed. On the one hand I have modeled the body and wings and legs apart. It has been very difficult due to the small size of the figure.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I'm looking at the aluminium foil skeleton and then pictures of how you managed to put clay on that and then somehow turned that into a bird with feathers.....

Mindblowing!

p.s.
Offer a copy of that tree trunk to DavidP for his Red Colobus (1:11).
You guys should totally form a team and work together.  

p.s. 2
If you two are going to join forces in the future,
I will be asking a 10% broker fee!

Hi Miguel

the project seemed impossible but from what I can see by the first photos your art has reached the highest ground ..and the bird is ubelievable..so beautiful

Obviously the species choice is perfect for Iberians but surely also for every wildlife lover.
You're working in a very small scale for a creature of that size, it was smart from you to use the oak trunk to give more volume to the figure, vintage companies used often similar solutions. The total effect is very scenic and it is looking formidable!

I'm really impressed, signatus!
Even the tree is amazingly sculpted and looks really realistic. Not even speaking of the eagles!
And all in this small scale.

That's not just a figure of an animal figure, that's ART!

Thank you very much friends !

Simone, I'm glad you going to like the modeling process of this group of figures. On the other hand collaboration between several of us it seems like a wonderful idea (10%? )

Paolo,I know it's a difficult project but I hope that with patience can get it !

This species is very emblematic of our unique fauna and intend to do it with all the care it deserves, I'm glad you like the project Rogério

Bonobo , I'm glad you like this figure and I deeply appreciate your words

Thankyou for letting us follow the process of the birth of this amazing, fabulous sculpt

I love this project, it is already looking wonderful! Very beautiful idea and the first eagle looks amazing. Can't wait to see the next steps!

Thank you Susanne and Anna     ! . I'm glad you like this new sculpture. I bit by bit advancing in the process ..

Sorry for my rude expression, but it perfectly expresses in Spanish my feelings when seeing such a tiny eagle: ¡Joeeeeeeé macho, qué locura...! (it means something like: wow!) Congratulations, Miguel, it's a wonderful composition!!

David, Thank you very much for those words so typical of us. . ( La verdad es que si es una locura muy gorda en la que me he metido, jajaj !)

Photos of the second eagle, which was surprised by the attack of the first eagle that comes over!.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

YESSSS !

Everything is impressive here: The project, the scale and the first steps you are showing It is really brilliant

Sheer madness have a key role in every out-of-this-world project and I have no doubt about this one

I can't wait to follow every step of this stairway to a work of art!

Eh, what are you doing? It is not an animal figure anymore, it is magia!

No words Apart from: MAJESTIC!!!!....IMPERIAL!!!!

Congratulations Miguel!!!

Wow friends,( susanne, Christophe, Roger, Mgarat).. these words really overwhelms me . I will try that the result is everything best.
It is a very difficult project, but very nice to do.

I love this project Miguel !
Already look`s very impressive ... and at the end, with your tallented hands, I`m shure it will look a real masterpiece

Thank you Kosta !

After having changed the way that the first eagle joins the trunk (thanks to the advice of our friend Phil Farrell) and have changed something the head and legs of the second eagle ... I present the third that seems even more surprised that appears encounter with flying.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

These are the final photos of the whole. A scene with some tension between the three iberian imperial eagles in a meeting on a dead tree ..

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I absolutely love this.

PERFECT POSES! I love them!

What can I say ? Amazing !!! WOW

Thank you very much Sylvia, Phil and Susanne !

So now I have to do is a silicone mold of the sculpture. I think it will be really difficult, but not impossible ...