Spring
« Previous Entries Next Entries »Beauty and the beast
Saturday, March 15th, 2008
I couldn’t resist buying a deep-yellow Calla Lily at the local nursery, then while out pulling weeds and transplanting it, a large slow-moving beetle called for a portrait.
Mockingbird ritual
Thursday, March 6th, 2008
Mockingbird mating flight ritual – 10 x 10 inches study in graphite, eraser, paper
Last night it was especially noticeable that the Mockingbirds have started their mating season. Pronouncing himself at the highest peak on a rooftop, the male mocks other birds’ calls, repeating each 3-4 times before changing to another call. Then in a ritual flight dance he flies up a short distance and does graceful flip in the air, flashing the white wing stripes, back to the perch and repeats the pattern over and over.
After listening to them quite a bit, there are some that have a larger repertoire of calls and a louder, determined, clearer song…I’m guessing that those are the most mature and attractive.
Snow
Tuesday, March 4th, 2008
75*F a couple of days ago, and snow last night. Spring temps here in northern Texas go from one extreme to the other.
Great White Egret and Mayfly
Saturday, March 1st, 2008
Great White Egret at Andy Brown Jr. Park, Coppell, Texas. Early morning melting frost, still slightly foggy, enough sun to make the water and dew in the grass sparkle, with a Mayfly appearing at exactly the right moment!
The photo was digitally changed to black and white and the contrast was clarified.
Perennial Friends
Friday, February 29th, 2008
The Grape Hyacinth started blooming this week…next the Iris, and I can’t wait to see the Ornamental Onions again.
Mockingbird
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008
This week mating season has started for Mockingbirds in northeast Texas. Mockingbirds mimic over 120 bird calls, and I’m guessing there are a couple of frog calls in the mix too. Really interesting, and a sound I love hearing when outside doing yardwork.
Palo Verde tree in bloom at a nursery in Ajijic, Mexico
Friday, February 15th, 2008
Palo Verde tree in bloom at a nursery in Ajijic, Mexico
Dandelions In the Tulips
Friday, October 19th, 2007
Dandelions in the Tulips, 16 x 20 inches acrylics on canvas with maple wood frame stained dark with red trim design, total size 22H x 28W inches. Available with or without the frame.
Simply “Tulips” as a title would have been too obvious. Dandelions are persistent. Likewise, I’m pleased to have persevered through the course of painting this one; it went through many changes and I learned a lot. Gradual build-up of textures and colors, layers of piling on, scrubbing off and reapplying paint — those parts show through. Painting with pure color in Firewheels, plus grey scale drawing earlier this year really contributed to finding a way to finish this painting. Next two thumbnails show phases of work in progress:
Firewheels
Saturday, October 13th, 2007
Firewheels 18H x 24W x 2D inches acrylics on canvas, wrapped sides painted with scene extending onto the narrow frame.
Thumnails: masking medium, usually used for watercolor paintings, was applied with a toothpick, first image. After being painted it was rubbed off, revealing abstract scribbles and areas of pure color. A time limit was set for this one to be done by the end of today, something I don’t normally do, but the restrictions ensure that it doesn’t get overworked.Next, Firewheels finished and successful in that I was able to stay away from the desire to perfect everything.
This painting was showcased in The 23rd Texas & Neighbors Regional Art Exhibition, April 26 – May 24, 2008, Irving Arts Center, Irving, TX.
Firewheels work in progress
Friday, October 12th, 2007
Firewheels, 18H x 24W inches acrylics on canvas, started
I started a small painting last night that I’ve been wanting to do since Spring, of Firewheels (Gaillardia). Masses of them come back every Spring in a nearby field.
« Previous Entries Next Entries »