Caro Higgs – Nature #4
Griffon vulture
Continuing with the nature I experienced while in the Bardenas and Mallos de Riglos area of Northern Spain.
While walking in the Bardenas we saw many vultures perched high on the rocks or high above us in the skies. I like to work from my own photographs but sadly the birds were too far away to produce a clear enough photograph from which to work, happily I found a free from copyright image on the web. They are very big birds and have a very distinctive outline.
I wanted the bird to be the dominant part of the piece so I have only added minimal stitching in the sky and on the rocks which were both constructed with home dyed/painted fabrics. The bird itself is built of different types of fabrics and then densely hand-stitched.
Detail view:
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
Wow, you have interpreted the nature and character of the vulture with your choice of fabric and stitch, having done birds myself this reveal I know how intensive the stitching has to be. Bravo
The way you’ve rendered the different textures and thicknesses of feathers is impressive! So many stitches !. Bravo very realistic !
Very impressive hand stitching. Your bird looks alive…
The bird is definitely the subject of the work, I really admire your work on the feathers. so many stitches. beatiful.
Wow, the details you have included really bring Mr. Vulture to life! Vultures are indeed a very large bird with a distinctive silhouette. We have turkey buzzards in our area and I am very aware of their doings, so similar to vultures. Reducing the detail in the background was a wise decision as it truly brings forward this large bird.
This is a brilliant representation of a majestic bird. I love the way your fabrics and stitching make the feathers and the details. You were right to keep the background stitching to a minimum. A triumph!
Wow, you’ve captured the essence of this enormous bird. So much texture in the painstakingly detailed hand stitching. Well done!
What a splendid and dramatic bird! The stitching to create the feathers is fantastic.
Very impressed with your lifelike rendition of this majestic bird. Good choice to keep the background to a minimum.The hand stitching is awesome. Just beautiful!
What a beautiful bird. I am in awe of your stitching. Splendid idea to keep the background simple. The bird just stands out in a terrific way. Bravo!
Amazing, this intense stitching work gives an almost true view of this giant bird. A perfect choice of fabrics and colours. Great work. Chapeau!
I love the fabrics you used for the background. The handstitching on the bird is so great!!!! Beautiful!
Woaw… gorgeous bird. The stitching is fabulous, I love the way you made the feathers. Very pretty background and colors. Bravo!
Wow, what a giant bird! Your exquisite handwork really gives him very powerful look, splendid!