Bill Painting

I am mounting anice little green wing hen and am about to paint an artificial bill for her. Every reference and paint schedule I have found is different in some way...any clues...

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Try one

Pick a reference that looks good and the paint schedule and go with it if it doesn"t turn out the way you want take some thinners and wash it down and try again until you find one that looks the way it should to you and when you find something you like write it down for next time
Good luck

Audubon approach

To paraphrase, "The bird in hand is better than two in the book". When all else fails, use the original as your reference.

Dark umber, with a light very light

Green/gray oval centered on the bill and a few darker spots within the oval.

Added to GR's.....

I would like to make a suggestion to ALL..especially those that don't know their ducks, gamebirds. Everytime you turn around someone is asking what colors, etc.: of course get the Breakthrough, and/or Ferebee paint schedules, and as much reference as possible first off.

I would like to suggest that when your ducks come in you take notes on coloration, (just as you should for fish); then when you skin your ducks (if using artificial heads) you save and freeze skulls; then when you're ready to paint you will find these bills very helpful for markings and correct patterns. The coloration will be mostly lost (reason to take notes when they come in), but the patterns and markings will still be there.....

Hope this helps!

Bonniez

Thanks for all the advice..I do get Breakthrough,I have paint schedules,I even have the frozen head of the Teal..and I feel I do know my Ducks pretty well..I am no expert so I was looking for an acceptable color for possible competition..if I just used the original it seems dark brown or brown umber with flesh in the corners, light tan to yellowish on the culmen so George thanks I think you are correct I'll just use the original and hope for the best, John C. thanks for nailing the color, Bonniez, no thanks for your condesending remarks...get over yourself..I had already used all your thoughts on my own...you can never stop learning new methods or new colors for that matter..maybe when I get as perfect as you I can stop trying to learn from others.
Mike B.