I love it when the wind raises on Lake Huron, and the waves come crashing in. This painting is of a tern fishing on a windy day in a bay off of the lake. I spent nearly an hour a couple of months ago watching him swoop into the water and fly back out, fightingContinue reading “Tern Fishing on Lake Huron”
Category Archives: wildlife art
A Year of Birds 2022: November
Part 1 During my hike today at the beginning of the month, the bay is silent compared to the almost constant background chatter of small tweets, whistles and the high “kews” of the yellow legs that are heard during the summer. When I went into town, I saw one of the few birds that hasContinue reading “A Year of Birds 2022: November”
Goldfinch in late winter
I think that goldfinches are lovely birds. This past winter, I was house-sitting for a friend (she has three adorable dogs that require special care since they are getting older) and got an unexpected bonus: I saw this little fellow perched on a rail right outside the window. My friend is an avid birdwatcher, too,Continue reading “Goldfinch in late winter”
Egret Flying Over Lake Huron: Acrylic
I am playing a bit more with color this summer, because Lake Huron is beautiful, and has constantly changing colors. This is based on a recent sunset, and I added alizarin and Hansa yellow to my usual palette, as well as a touch of orange, to capture the sunset highlight. Egrets are beautiful birds, andContinue reading “Egret Flying Over Lake Huron: Acrylic”
A Year of Birds: June 2022 (part 2)
The egrets can be seen in the marshes, but are quite shy, and will fly off as soon as they see me. I will keep trying, though. I also saw a sparrow on a log enjoying the sun. I love their markings and songs, which are so cheerful. As I was driving to the storeContinue reading “A Year of Birds: June 2022 (part 2)”
A Year of Birds: June 2022 part 1
The days are finally getting warmer, and there was a heat wave on the first of June: the temperature went above 80 degrees (F)- a miracle! And with the warm weather has come mosquitoes, the bane of Michigan bird watchers. Whenever I go into the marshes, clouds of them appear, and they seem to beContinue reading “A Year of Birds: June 2022 part 1”
A Year of Birds: May 2022
A Year of Birds The first week of May, my friends and I drive back north from North Carolina. There are plenty of birds to see, but we are in a hurry to make the long trip. Finally, we are back home, and to reward ourselves, my friends and I indulge in a quick tripContinue reading “A Year of Birds: May 2022”
A Year of Birds: March 2022
March is certainly coming in “like a lion” here in North Michigan with snowstorms, cold wind, and bitter weather. When temperatures sitting near zero still, it feels as if my hands, feet, nose and even eyes hurt if I am out too long. My visits with the birds when I feed them are short onContinue reading “A Year of Birds: March 2022”
Great Egret Fishing: Acrylic Painting
I love egrets, and chose to paint this one hunting and catching a frog in the marsh. This was done in acrylic with my normal limited palette.
“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”
A Year of Birds: November
The days are getting shorter and much colder. Today, on the third, it snowed! I have started feeding the birds again, on the ground (I don’t dare fill the feeder, or the bears will get it; they have not gone into hibernation yet). The juncos were the first to find the seed I put out,Continue reading “A Year of Birds: November”
A Year of Birds: October
Now the days are getting cooler at night, and shorter. In the early morning, fog can be seen over Lake Huron in a thick white blanket that rolls towards the shore. I know that the shorter days and tree color changes herald the fall migration of the birds to warmer climates. I can still seeContinue reading “A Year of Birds: October”