Friday, July 12, 2013

"Western Bluebird" watercolor 4" x 6" $85

Western Bluebirds landed on the barbed wire in Big Horn, WY last week and surprised me while I oil painted the Big Horn Mountains. This time I had my watercolors and quickly made a sketch.
Often the bird is only half visible and hidden by leaves, branches or rocks.
This was so in the open, with his mate close by. what a treat especially because they are less common every year. Feral Cats are a big problem for birds! I say keep cats indoors, so we can balance nature.

Friday, July 5, 2013

"Lark Sparrow" oil 4"x 6"

This Lark Sparrow surprised me at lunch one day. I didn't have my watercolors ready because I had a sandwich in my hands and friends eating with me.
Like a poem I memorized the markings and repeated the colors over and over so I would be able to paint the bird and look it up in my bird book.
What a beautiful bird!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Ruby Throats watercolor 5"x 10"

Ruby Throats were everywhere on Hog Island, Maine, when I was there last week. I painted this while we discussed "painter's block." Our facilitator, Julie Zuckefoose had a great quote from a writer who said it takes a really, really, really long time to write a book, if one does not write.
Painters unite and doodle(paint) while listening. Your innate sense of design will take over and voila, like these Ruby Throats, you have a painting. Let them add up and  enjoy a group of "doodles" with a friend.
In the Big Horns (trip right after Hog Island) we had art shows. Work was leaned against the tires and taped to the side of the RV! Granite peaks, passing clouds and all the campers stopped by to see great art.