It's a difficult time to be creative, as on the one hand I finally have some time to pursue some artsy pursuits, but my mind is rather foggy and preoccupied; not the best environment for fomenting ideas. However, I cleaned my house (well, the bits that matter) yesterday and I finished the blue tit I … Continue reading Blue tits and linocuts
Bees
I saw a nice little poster recently in a pack from Friends of the Earth about bee-friendly activities. I am a beekeeper myself and love all sorts of insects so decided to paint some of the bees I see during the summer here in the Sussex countryside. The first is a Red-tailed bumblebee, Bombus lapidarius: … Continue reading Bees
Tawny Owl
About a month ago, I was driving my son to the station along a fast, straight stretch near me, sadly notorious for road casualties. Lying in the lay-by opposite the junction was a brown pile of feathers, and I suspected it was a juvenile buzzard as we have so many around here. On closer inspection, … Continue reading Tawny Owl
Golden eagle
I have wanted to paint an eagle for a while, but the problem I find with birds of prey is getting their sense of power across effectively, as they are at their most impressive when in flight, or catching prey; capturing their dynamic nature is tricky in two dimensions. I have seen eagles at falconry … Continue reading Golden eagle
Kestrel
I was speaking to a friend recently and we were discussing Gerard Manley Hopkins, and I was reminded of the term 'windhover', otherwise known as a kestrel. Such an apt term, and I wanted to paint one. I'm enjoying the flying birds as I don't especially like putting props in the paintings but many birds … Continue reading Kestrel
A Teal
I wanted to paint a teal in flight so as to maximise the flashes of - well, teal on the bird's face and secondary wing feathers. I do occasionally find that looking for a resource photo can be problematic, especially with birds that are regular quarry, either for us humans or other species. I'm not … Continue reading A Teal
Goldfinch
I have painted a goldfinch before but when I first started out with the birds, I hadn't formulated a set idea regarding size, paper, style etc, so although they look similar, I definitely regard these as my 'early birds'. Some are on branches or tree stumps, which I am less keen about, preferring the birds … Continue reading Goldfinch
Swallow
I've always painted birds which are standing on the ground - I have done a few which are on a tree or branch but I don't like these so much, hence the feet. However, a swallow is so iconic in flight, I wanted to try this. It's a challenge sometimes to find a reference picture … Continue reading Swallow
Shelduck
I love shelducks, from their glossy green-black heads and bright red bills to their smart brown, black and white plumage. The ducklings look like little mint humbugs and are utterly adorable, even in the generally adorable world of ducklings. They are often found in coastal areas. Handpainted in gouache on 140lb blue-tinted Bockingford watercolour paper. 29cm square. … Continue reading Shelduck
Peregrine falcon
Peregrines are my favourites birds of prey, not only because they are phenomenally powerful, but also these falcons were my son’s favourite bird when he was younger. We very occasionally get them hunting pigeons on the stubble fields behind my house which is just the most amazing spectacle. I like this painting as I have … Continue reading Peregrine falcon
