When I opened the window this morning, while sipping coffee, I had the sensation I was at the beach. Unlike many other parts of the country, our weather in the TN valley has slipped back into moderate temperatures, 60's (F) in the day and 40's at night.
For the past three days we've been deluged with rain, soaking rain. But on this overcast day the wind took center stage, ebbing and flowing, sometimes whispering for an instant, then roaring through the tree limbs like an ocean tide. You can feel the air changing. We have colder temps promised and snow in the forecast, so I went out to get some bird feeding supplies. More on that later.
It was also a perfect morning to play with paints. Over the past week, I have sketched the
golden-crowned kinglet that I photographed in my yard. The nice thing about drawing is you don't have to have a perfect image, just a good reference for shapes and habitat. And while I sketched, I rediscovered how much I enjoy drawing. I forget sometimes when I'm away from it and then I reconnect with what keeps me coming back to it over and over again.
I used my sketchbook to get an idea of the values and colors I wanted to use, to see where I want to place the darks and lights. I tried different mixes of colors, too, so that when I begin on my watercolor paper, I'm warmed up and have a better idea of where I'm going.
This is a second sketch of the kinglet on watercolor paper taped to a backboard and ready to paint.
Your kinglet is wonderful! It's fun to see some of the steps in the process. (especially for someone like me who is artistically challenged!)
ReplyDeleteyou are a bit northeast of me, but we are experiencing the same weather! i love the watercolor...really pretty.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting, love it.
ReplyDeleteThe kinglet water color painting would look perfect in my guest room! Beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteAnother Beautiful Watercolour. I like your use of colours in your paintings. They are always pleasant to see.
ReplyDeleteBeing married to someone like Kenn, I have had the honor and privilege of looking at quite an array of bird related art. Your portrait of the Golden-crowned Kinglet perfectly captures the spirit of these birds that is reflected in the sweet, yet ornery facial expression. Many artists just can't quite get that right.
ReplyDeleteI have banded hundreds (if not thousands) of kinglets, so I know this bird so very well, and love them for their high energy, larger than life, "I'm the King(let) of the World" attitude. Kenn calls them "Kinglet Kong." Isn't that hilarious?!
Thank you for sharing your passion and talents with us! I added a link from our blog to yours so that we might help others discover your wonderful work.
I posted a comment earlier today, and I apologize of it didn't register. I'm having some computer woes. : ( I wanted to be sure that you knew how very much I appreciate your work and your blog.
best~ kk
Thanks Lynne. Making art is really a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gina. Today on winter soltice, our skies are finally clearing and bringing some cold air.
Thanks, Tabib. I love to paint.
Hey, Shelly. That is a delightful thought!
Thanks, Bernie. Besides drawing, playing with colors is one of the most enjoyable aspects of painting.
Welcome, Kim. What a special compliment. Especially since these recent sightings of kinglets are my first. Their personalities definitely come through. I do love Kenn's nickname, "kinglet kong". The tiny bird with the big attitude! Thank you for leaving your comment. I am enjoying your blog posts, too.
Vickie, your sketches are better than my finished products! I can feel the softness in that kinglet's eye. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteKathie, you are so kind. If we only could see our own art the way others see it!
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