This watercolor started as my demo for my class, "Painting Connections-Painting Habitats" at the NH State Arts Education Conference.
My goal was to show a micro-habitat which included one branch from an oak tree. Participants were shown how complimentary colors work as a pair and create space between two leaves.
Its not important to show every edge because our imaginations kick in and fill the spaces with our knowledge of habitats. I added the nuthatch this morning after watching who came to my feeder.

"Goldeneyes" watercolor 4"x 6" $65

Birds hang out all year in pretty cold climates especially ducks. Note the underpainting in the dark areas which gives life to the birds. Follow my second blog: www.paintinghabitats.blogspot.com
and learn more about how to paint what is surrounding your center of interest. I want to paint the whole habitat without the birds being overly prominent, just like they occur in nature.

On a lazy summer day in Vermont I was painting with my granddaughter. The closest bird was this gull waiting for food. Her painting of this gull was influenced by mine and I noticed she was less creative(honest to her view?) by painting with me.
She needs no lesson on painting-just materials!