Years ago I sat on some cliffs in Scotland waiting for the return of the puffins to their nesting area. apparently I was too early but the hours of sitting still and observing life was worth it.The Atlantic Puffin has a different look in that it's more comical yet this is one serious seabird. Many of the animal I choose to paint are from photos I take at the zoo etc but I needed to rely on google for this one and it was difficult because of the light source of the different photographers as well as their choice of angles. However it was a fun assignment to give myself as I revisited a wonderful memory.

GOING NORTH

From the Tufted Puffin to a Moose. It was a jump made last week in the studio to throw myself into a contrast of form and detail of a different kind. Feathers to fur and so on. What is pestering me after posting this image is that the moose seems too close in value to the background. That my be good for the moose but not necessarily with regard to the painting. So back to the easel of life.

One of joys in moving to Oregon from Ohio years ago was to experience seeing the tufted puffin. I was fascinated by this energetic bird and still am so I decided to try and paint one.

I thought this would be like a coloring book assignment as I observed the clown like shapes and colors of the puffin's face then it took a short time to realize the complexity of my pallet and the delicate way every feature juxtaposed in or over another.

THE COMMON LOON AND DETAILS

I seem to have been birding a lot lately with painting images, the goldfinch, Black Headed Grosbeak, Cardinal, Northern Flicker, Chickadee and now the Common Loon. There is not an intension for the National Audubon painters competition going on here. Just a celebration in learning how the aviary world is a flying show of delicate intricacies of feather details, geometric patterns, color and composition. I am greatly humbled by this brief introduction so far.

THE COMMON LOON

BEING BUSY

There are times in the studio when one needs to put their head down and simply concentrate on paintings and develop a flow that threads out into those times when it isn't possible.

The last weeks have been like that and has allowed me the opportunity to create the Northern Flicker , the Common Loon as well as make a fun contact and wholesale relationship with a local store called Backyard Bird Shop.

Also a gallery in Minnesota has signed on for images on cards as well. The Attic Gallery of American Crafts.

Hopefully these contacts will help with the costs of being able to continue this fun endeavor.

A BEAUTIFUL LOSS

I never thought there would be the day I would have a caged bird in the house. We inherited Frak after losing my mother to cancer two years ago. What a gift he was! Loved to sing to Bette Middler and Willie Nelson even while bathing. Came into his beastly self when hanging outside on the sunny porch. Such bravado, such color, such personality in 5 grams of his little orange self. He died last week. I miss him so.

STILL HAVING AVIARY FUN

Not sure when I will come out of this bird series with the sky and garden so populated by colors flying and songs a sing"n.

The Black-headed Grosbeak is something to behold when it lands in your garden. Mine came out a little too orange but it was fun to celebrate the markings on such a handsome bird passing through.

My style is expressionistic whether it be in my figurative work or wildlife. That keeps me out of unhappy behaviors of frustration and brooding.

SMALL CANVASES FOR SMALL BIRDS

To say a painting is finished is another way of saying "That's as far as I want to go with this right now." I could spend years playing with all the wonderful features on this magnificent bird I grew up with in Ohio.

Painting small birds on small 6"x8"canvases seems proportional and adaptable to small working tools such as brushes and knives. Truly a challenge for someone who prefers big.

I wish mother nature had dropped a few Cardinals in Oregon when passing through. Such a spirited call.

CARDINALS AND RED

This image has a ways to go. The cardinal is easily distorted when painting it's image . For instance, the crest makes the head appear too big for it's body. Also there is so much beautiful red that it seems to consume the details of shoulders, wings, feathers. By researching further tonight I hope to finish him tomorrow.

STILL LEARNING ABOUT BIRDS

Can't seem to let go of exploring birds with paint. Being from Ohio, cardinals are a big part of growing up. Even as a child their absolute red and black was cause for a watch and a smile.

The lines are not quite right yet but the cobalt blue is a must.

TRY, TRY AGAINtoughttough

No it isn't the same painting as the last post or rather it is but with adjustments to the head, chest, beak, feet, background etc.

In experimenting to attempt painting birds, I have come to realize that when there isn't a significant and obvious muscle form visible beneath the surface the task is complexed.

THE BLOG HABIT

I'm beginning to realize that the tell tale signs of being disorganized and too spread out in one's studio work and that is the absence of updates to the blog.

Finally, there is rhythm to canvas projects going on in the studio which means there is also rhythm going on outside the studio. Perhaps it's a spring thing. Regardless, I'm happy lining up canvas projects for the wildlife website.

Today I have attempted a chickadee because it continually amuses me with it's sparky gestures and handsome sharp markings.

Like most images, it will sit on an extra easel as I pass by it until I resolve things that pester me like proportion or composition issues.