Acrylic painting of a Cedar Waxwing

I started this 5" X 7" painting with the intention of creating a quick painterly study, but soon felt the urge to tighten my brushstrokes and add all the little details. I think I have more fun with these smaller-sized paintings; I don't get overwhelmed as easily and I can finish them in a few hours.

I snapped the reference photo for this painting on a farm that has a large blueberry patch. The Cedar Waxwings were flying in so close to me as I was picking blueberries, it made for a great photo opportunity.

Random Project of the Week - Two bird sketches

I drew a couple birds this past week - a Great Blue Heron in colored pencil and a Bohemian Waxwing in watercolor, both outlined in pen. I discovered that I really like the look of loose outlines done with a small brown Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen, and it's fun to do, too!

 

Teddy bear painting finished

I have finally finished this 20" X 16" acrylic painting after working on it on and off for two years (click HERE for a progress photo). I call this piece "Teddy's Teddy." I wanted to portray a young Teddy posing for a photo while holding his toy Teddy bear for comfort, like a child would hold a doll. This painting was inspired by the watercolor art of Wendy Tosoff.

 

Here is "Bradley Bear" next to his portrait.

Random Project of the Week - Flycatcher watercolor

I just finished this painting of one of my favorite birds, the Alder Flycatcher. It is done in watercolors on cotton watercolor paper. This was my second attempt. The first piece ended up in the trash can soon after I started it, which actually doesn't happen very often when I paint. It took me a little while to bring myself to try again.

Random Project of the Week - Backlit birds studies

I've been using my little 5" X 7" canvas boards for acrylic studies. The Veery study on the left was done yesterday and the Osprey was done last year. I didn't realize until I put them together that I chose to paint a backlit bird both times. Now I'm gonna have to make a backlit birds series!

Cairn Terrier painting

I painted this 11" X 14" dog portrait a few months ago. It is of a Cairn Terrier named Mickey who sadly passed away recently.