I have spent a lot of time walking near, around and in the marshes of North Michigan. This is the habitat where black flies and mosquitoes like to live – but it is all worth it to catch sight of an egret like this one! This painting is based on one that hangs out inContinue reading “Egret in the Marsh”
Tag Archives: bird
Juncos Under the Pines: Acrylic Painting
Juncos are small birds that are ground feeders. I often see them under the pines here in North Michigan, and decided to paint a pair of males searching for food in early spring. I used a very limited palette for this painting: ultramarine blue, burnt umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, sap green and titanium white.Continue reading “Juncos Under the Pines: Acrylic Painting”
American Goldfinch: Colored Pencil
I have been observing finches and taking photos of them the past few weeks. I love finches because they add a spot of bright sunshine yellow to the edge of the woods or any other spot they visit.
Tufted Titmouse: acrylic painting
The titmouse is one of my favorite birds; I love the little tuft on top of their heads. This is a recently acrylic that I just completed.
Clay Bas Relief Heron
I decided to try learning bas relief sculpture during the holidays. I still haven’t learned to create the clay support yet, but decided to create a Great Blue Heron in clay. This is my first attempt at bas relief; it was fun! Well, I have a start on it; I will update on my progressContinue reading “Clay Bas Relief Heron”
How to paint an Egret in acrylics: Lesson 2
In the previous post, I shared how I start an acrylic bird painting. In this lesson, I will show the next steps. Next, I start refining my lights and darks, and mid-tones, correcting where needed. I use mainly the palette I mentioned in lesson 1: titanium white, burnt umber, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, payne’s grey,Continue reading “How to paint an Egret in acrylics: Lesson 2”
Wood Thrush
Wood thrushes are beautiful birds that like to nest in high trees (therefore, near woodlands). This painting is based on one I saw a few weeks ago at a local aviary. I painted this in oils, using a limited palette (ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, burnt umber, cad yellow, titanium white, sap green0
Getting Ready for Christmas (early)
Because last year, I had trouble keeping up with the demand for hand-painted bird ornaments, I decided to start early this year. Today, I started painting the first ones: I sold a bunch of these last year through Wild Birds Unlimited locally; at craft fairs and by commission. They are fun to do! I’m hopingContinue reading “Getting Ready for Christmas (early)”
Male Cardinal: acrylic bird painting
I love cardinals, and when I saw this one when I was visiting the zoo to take some wildlife shots (he was hanging around, almost tame, let me get within a few feet of him) I decided to do his portrait. I have learned some interesting things about cardinals over the years. Their feathers areContinue reading “Male Cardinal: acrylic bird painting”
American Goldfinch: acrylic painting
I love the bright colors of goldfinches, and when I saw this one in a pine tree a week ago, knew that I wanted to paint him. This painting was done in acrylic, with my usual palette
Bobwhite: acrylic painting
Growing up in the country, I used to love to hear the call of the bobwhites from the hedgerows on the country road that led to our farm. I chose to put this one surrounded by orchard grass as he sits on a small stump. Bobwhite: acrylic painting, 11 X 14″ canvas board The paletteContinue reading “Bobwhite: acrylic painting”
White-faced Ibis
White -faced ibis are southern water birds that are small and have a large beak for probing through wetlands. This painting is based on some photos I took of one recently. My roommate and I both think he looks a bit like Gonzo from Sesame Street, and that he is adorable.