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.

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”

Geese taking off in late afternoon: acrylic painting

I love the birds around Lake Huron, and last week I saw this beautiful sight that I decided to paint: Canadian Geese beginning to fly just before sunset. I used the following colors for this painting: ultramarine blue, cerulean blue; cadmium red medium; titanium white; burnt umber and Lamp Black.

Nuthatch in Early Spring: acrylic painting

I enjoy watching nuthatches creeping upside down and sideways around trees, and decided to paint this one that I saw in the early Michigan spring a few weeks ago just after it had snowed. I used a very limited palette for this painting: ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt umber, burnt sienna and yellow ochre.

Winter Sunrise, Lake Huron: oil painting

One of the things that I love about Lake Huron is that the light is always changing, and the way the lake looks changes with it. One early morning, I was amazed at the beauty of the sunrise, and this oil painting is the result. I wanted to show the light sparkling off the snowContinue reading “Winter Sunrise, Lake Huron: oil painting”

How to Paint a Cheetah in Acrylic

Last fall, I went to the zoo, and by great luck, got a nice head shot of a cheetah who was resting near where I was standing. I love big cats, and decided to paint one in this art demo where I will share how it is done. First, I primed the canvas (it wasContinue reading “How to Paint a Cheetah in Acrylic”

Chickadees on a Winter Day

During the winter months in north Michigan, some of the most frequent birds visiting feeders will be chickadees. They stay on through the snow and sub-zero temperatures, and to me they are a symbol of hardiness and resilience. I used a limited palette for this painting: ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt umber, burnt sienna andContinue reading “Chickadees on a Winter Day”

Pumpkins

I have a friend who absolutely loves pumpkins, so for Hanukkah, I painted her a picture of pumpkins piled up on straw, based on a photo I took in Hillsdale, MI last fall. She loved the painting (said I could post it here). But I also feel that these pumpkins symbolize a bit more. EachContinue reading “Pumpkins”