September 2022 The days are still warm at the beginning of September, and there are plenty of bird sightings along the beaches and marshes. Today, on the way into town, I stopped by a local marsh on the river, and saw a pair of Greater yellow legs there, wading and fishing. Then, on theContinue reading “A Year of Birds: September 2022”
Tag Archives: bird
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”
It’s that Time of Year Again…
It’s time to start painting Christmas ornaments again. So, here they are, all unpainted…I will try not to feel overwhelmed But the art galleries are requesting them, and I plan to attend some art fairs. So each day, after work, I will paint a few, until it starts looking a lot like… Christmas! They areContinue reading “It’s that Time of Year Again…”
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”
A Year of Birds: July
July 2022 The weather is getting warmer now each day, bringing the whine of mosquitoes and the droning buzz of deer flies. The only value I see in these pests that bite whenever I venture outdoors is that they do feed the birds and their fledglings. At a nearby park on the river, I sawContinue reading “A Year of Birds: July”
Portrait of a Hawk (acrylic)
I think that hawks are beautiful, and this is one that I often see hanging out off a dirt road going to the beach. I wanted to capture the beautiful eyes in this portrait.
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”
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.
Sandhill Cranes: Acrylic Painting
I love sandhill cranes, and am always awed when I see them gather in the grassy marshes. This painting reflects how these beautiful birds make me feel. I used my normal palette of earth tones.
Yellow Legs in the Evening: Acrylic Painting
I saw this wonderful little bird in the marsh a few weeks ago. They stop here on their way north to Canada, and I always enjoy watching them feed in the evenings. This painting was done with acrylic, using my usual palette. I wanted to show the fiery glow on the still brown marsh plantsContinue reading “Yellow Legs in the Evening: Acrylic Painting”
A Year of Birds: January 2022
I will be posting photos taken throughout the year in this online journal. This is a bitter, very cold winter even for northern Michigan. I am feeding the Chickadees and Jays daily, and they seem grateful. The chickadees have become quite tame, and will let me near. I am hoping to teach them to feedContinue reading “A Year of Birds: January 2022”
First Signs of Spring: Acrylic Painting
Last weekend, I went birding with a good friend. It was a warm day for North Michigan (as in, the first day above 10 degrees F in weeks). I told her, “I doubt we’ll see any egrets or herons yet, it’s too cold.” Well, in one of the marshes that has just started thawing, IContinue reading “First Signs of Spring: Acrylic Painting”