Avian Blues

California Jay

Watercolor

4" X 6"

This was a really beautiful bird. The photo that I got of him was unimpressive. I'm not sure that I did him justice. I think the problem is that when your paper size is 4" X 6," you don't have room to paint the feathers in a convincing way. Here's a detail; it comes across a bit better.

I guess that I can't be pleased with all my results. This one is only okay. I had fun painting it. The next bird that I paint is going to be on a LARGE piece of paper.

Day 26 - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days

Lone Gull

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

4" X 6"

$40

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I guess I take a lot of bird photos since I've painted three in 26 days. Don't tell my children, but I still like seagulls. I know most people don't. They are "rats with wings" in some situations. In California, the school lunch tables were outside and they would hang out and steal food straight off the kids' tables if you didn't pay attention the whole time. For this reason, my children have no love for them. I just wish I had captured that in photos!

I remember watching them at the beach and thinking how cool it would be to be able to fly like they do. They are very graceful in the air. We also had some metal seagulls hanging on the wall of our beach house porch. I remember looking at them and putting them in order of which wing positions I preferred. Weird, yes, but I hated the naps we were supposed to take after lunch and found many ways to avoid them.

Day 25 - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days

Out the Window

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

4" X 6"

$40

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This sweet mother bird built her nest down in our window boxes. I took this photo looking out my bedroom window and back into the living room window. (See the photo I was working from below.

I'm not sure what kind of bird she is. I originally thought she was a junco; now, I'm not sure. See the pictures below and give me your opinion. I am definitely not good at identification.

Dark-eyed Junco

 Western Bluebird

I had always wanted a house with window boxes and they did look lovely, but had to be watered A LOT. I'm still glad we filled them and enjoyed them while we were there. I wonder if the next renters kept them alive. I was planning to post a picture of the house with the overflowing planters, but I can't find a photo. I sure hope I have one somewhere!

Day 22 - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days

In Cobalt

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

4" X 6"

$40 SOLD

When I got my alcohol inks, it dawned on me that I had no idea how I was supposed to use them. I had first seen them on my internet friend's blog. She directed me to Karen Walker Art, where I saw examples of what finished work could look like. I searched for YouTube videos, like the new one made by my friend Lillian and there are a some that help. I will say that if you are a control freak, this medium may not be for you!

Today's painting was for a peacock video that Karen Walker is putting together. I'll post the finished product down the road when it is completed. I sure have enjoyed seeing all the artists peacocks on the alcohol ink Facebook group. If you paint with this medium, you should request to join.

Day 20 - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days

Sentinel

Mixed Media

11" X 14"

$325

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Today, I finished my second quail, this time a majestic quail. I have to say that the top knot is what makes the California quail so appealing. I am not sure whether it imparts royalty or is a little bit silly, but it certainly makes me love them.

The palette used in "Sentinel" is a contemporary blend of neutrals and a blue-green. I find it soothing. I had a bit of a break-through when I wanted to add "something" to the upper third where it was uninteresting. I didn't want a big focal point and everything I tried drew too much attention. Then, the lightbulb lit up and I thought, "maybe the alcohol ink can tint the rice paper a color very similar to the area I want to change." Voilà!

Day 19 - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days

Queen of the Covey

Mixed Media

10" X 14"

SOLD

The timing of the 30 in 30 Challenge, might not have been optimal and it took me a few weeks to realize that. Although I really enjoyed painting the 4" X 6" watercolors, I am giving up my spot at a community printmaking studio at the end of the month and need to finish several mixed media prints before my access to the press disappears. I spent two days last week in the printmaking studio working on several new pieces, one of which, "Wild Marsh," will be an exhibit next month at Glen Echo Park. The other main objective was to finish a series of California quail mixed media pieces that I started last fall. "Queen of the Covey" is the first of three prints featuring this intriguing bird. All three include watercolored etchings and collage on a monotype print. It was really rewarding today to see the first of these works completed. I really wanted them to turn out well, so I've been dragging my feet for fear of messing them up. I was so excited about the monotypes on Friday that I was inspired to get them done. Hopefully, the other two will be finished in the days to come, but I do have to do a bunch of framing for the Collective Ink Printmakers exhibit.

Day 12 - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days

It is almost 10pm and I am just now writing the post about my "Painting of the Day." I never thought the most difficult day to find painting time would be on the weekend, but that is exactly true around here. I am not a morning person and though I got up earlier than usual, a sketch was all I got done before leaving for church:

So, fast forward through a Beth Moore video lesson, a great worship service, lunch with son while daughter at youth choir, explain chores, drop off kids, art meeting, cook dinner... Then, paint! Better late than never.

Birdhouse in My Soul

4" X 6"

$40

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