Category Archives: wildlife painting

Morning Visitor: acrylic painting

I have been experimenting with painting lights and darks, using a limited palette of yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber and titanium white. This little sparrow was sitting on a rock in my yard recently, and I wanted to capture the moment. Moments like this remind me of the beauty of God’s creation.

Bunnykins in the Grass

This summer, I came across Bunnykins (the young rabbit that visits my feeder in the wintertime). He was sitting in the grass by the side of the road, looking sleek and happy. I knew it was bunnykins due to his coloring, and the fact that he was not shy at all when I walked near,Continue reading “Bunnykins in the Grass”

Kingfisher: Acrylic painting

I have been very busy with work and getting for an art fair next week, but I did finish a painting of a kingfisher. This was done in acrylic, and is based on a sighting in Presque Isle several weeks ago. There is a marsh near the lighthouse where these birds hang out during theContinue reading “Kingfisher: Acrylic painting”

Sandhills Flying: Acrylic Painting

I think that sandhill cranes are beautiful birds, especially in flight when the markings on their wings can be seen. This is a fairly common sight over the marshes and fields of Michigan. I decided to paint this pair flying in a deep blue sky to show the complement between their ochre red-orange colors andContinue reading “Sandhills Flying: Acrylic Painting”

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”

Shiny Cormorant: Acrylic Painting

I had fun painting this cormorant; after I created his body using a mix of ultramarine and umber to create a rich black, I used gold paint mixed with sienna and blue to create the shiny feathers on his back. I also used some opalescent paint in the water for a bit of extra shine.Continue reading “Shiny Cormorant: Acrylic Painting”

Family Outing: Acrylic Geese Painting

This summer, I am exploring adding more color to my paintings. While the photo doesn’t do it justice, this one has a lot of cerulean and warm washes of sienna and some greens, and even alizarin – all colors that you can see reflected in the ever-changing waters. It was fun to paint what isContinue reading “Family Outing: Acrylic Geese Painting”

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.

Nuthatch in the Tree: Acrylic painting

Last week, I heard the most amazing laughter coming from the trees. I searched, and found the source: a little nuthatch, chuckling away. This painting was done to highlight how agile these birds are. This was painted using my typical palette of ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt umber, burnt sienna and yellow ochre.

Nocturne on Lake Huron: oil painting

I love painting various types of light, and different types of day. This painting is inspired by how beautiful Lake Huron and its inlets are in the evening, when the water is a symphony of blues and silvers. The painting is of a great egret silhouetted on the lake. I used my typical palette (ultramarineContinue reading “Nocturne on Lake Huron: oil painting”

The Chickadee Tree: Online Art Lesson

I love watching chickadees; in fact, they will land on my pan when I carry seeds out in the early dawn. They will congregate in a nearby pine, waiting for me to put their food out. So, they are a natural subject for a painting. In this blog, I will show how to paint theseContinue reading “The Chickadee Tree: Online Art Lesson”