Category Archives: oil painting

The Family Complement: Acrylic Painting

I saw some sandhill cranes with gray plumage several months ago, and decided to create a painting that highlights the complementary tones between their gray-blue plumage and the rust colors of the autumn grasses. “The Family Complement”, acrylic, 16 X 20 inches.

Portrait of a Bird Lover (acrylic)

A few weeks ago, I saw this man walking around with two birds perched on his arm and shoulder. I knew I had to paint him, asked permission to take his photo, and he agreed. Tom now has a portrait that shows his love for his birds, and gave me permission to post this onContinue reading “Portrait of a Bird Lover (acrylic)”

Kildeer on the Beach: oil painting

Kildeer are beautiful little birds, and I love watching them on the shores of Lake Huron. In this painting, I wanted to re-create a sunny day with the kildeer in typical postures. I used my usual earth-toned palette, but added cerulean and a touch of cadmium yellow to it.

“Little Rascal” acrylic painting of a Raccoon

A few weeks ago, a visitor showed up near the bird feeder. I got some nice photos of him, and decided to paint him in acrylic. I went with a very limited palette so it is similar to a value study: ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, burnt sienna. The details took time, but itContinue reading ““Little Rascal” acrylic painting of a Raccoon”

Yellow-Rumped Warbler: Acrylic Painting

About five weeks ago, I was hiking near Presque-Isle Michigan, and saw this beautiful little bird on a fence. When painting this, I decided to play with abstracting the background a bit. I also went with a fall theme, since fall is here, with warmer colors in the background to contrast with the cooler traysContinue reading “Yellow-Rumped Warbler: Acrylic Painting”

Migrating Sanderling: acrylic painting

A couple of weeks ago, when walking on the beach, I came across a group of sanderlings migrating south. One was exceptionally cute, and this painting is the result. As usual, I painted this with a limited palette of Tit. white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt ochre, burnt sienna and a touch of payne’s gray.Continue reading “Migrating Sanderling: acrylic painting”

Flickers on the Ground (acrylic)

I think flickers are beautiful birds. A couple of months ago, I saw some in the side yard, busily eating ants (these woodpeckers like ants from any source, including an anthill!) This was painted in acrylic with a limited palette: titanium white, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, burnt umber, yellow ochre and sap green.

Sandhill Cranes: Oil Painting

A few weeks ago, I saw some sandhill cranes feeding in the evening light at Misery Bay. I took a bunch of photos, and decided to take a more impressionistic approach to these beautiful birds. I used a limited palette for this oil painting: tit. white; ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, Burnt Umber, burnt sienna, yellowContinue reading “Sandhill Cranes: Oil Painting”

Mute Swans on the River

I love the beauty of swans, and when I saw these two on a nearby river, I couldn’t resist painting them. I hope you enjoy their elegant grace as much as I do! As usual, my palette was limited: titanium white, burnt umber, cadmium yellow, ultramarine blue and cerulean blue. The swans can be seenContinue reading “Mute Swans on the River”