I have painted two Ringed plovers but my first attempt got smudged (always a hazard with me...) so although it has been cleaned up in a scan so useable for digital items such as stickers and mini cards, the original original is stuck in my drawer waiting for me to decide what to do with … Continue reading Ringed Plover
Little Gouache Seabirds
Seabirds tend to have a lot of white on them, so the small squares of Khadi paper are perfect as they reflect the coastal palette with their stone-greys and slate-blues. The gouache responds really well to the absorbent, textured surface so it's great fun to work with. Although herring gulls are always really popular, I … Continue reading Little Gouache Seabirds
Bird of the Day: Chiffchaff
I remember seeing a small group of these one autumn, and wondering what they were as they seemed to be so yellow. It is difficult to appreciate the changes in colour depending on light, and the changes in behaviour according to the time of year. I have always known chiffchaffs to be solitary and chiffchaffing … Continue reading Bird of the Day: Chiffchaff
Bird of the Day: Long-tailed Tit
Long-tailed tits have surprisingly large personalities for such tiny birds. I see them frequently at this time of year in flocks of ten or more, twittering through the hedgerows looking for food. They eat small invertebrates, and eggs and caterpillars of moths and butterflies, so benefit from relaxed management. Many species of butterfly lay their … Continue reading Bird of the Day: Long-tailed Tit
Bird of the Day: Greenfinch
Greenfinches are one of our more common species, although they do suffer with a disease carried by parasites which contributed to a recent decline; keeping bird feeders clean and hygienic is really important especially if you are fortunate to get a lot of visitors to them. They are a chunky finch, with a rather disapproving … Continue reading Bird of the Day: Greenfinch
Bird of the Day: Linnet
My house in Hellingly is a short drive from Ashdown Forest, which is a forest in a historical sense rather than arboreal. Originally a hunting ground for King William and the Normans, the last 900 years have produced a curious mix of seemingly wild yet highly managed heathland and woodland. The birdlife is fabulous, and … Continue reading Bird of the Day: Linnet
Bird of the Day: Eider Duck
I have to thank my childhood visits to Arundel Wetland Centre again for my love of this duck: I think they were the first bird where I thought the plumage must have been painted on as it's so defined, and I adore that sage green colour on the bill and nape. Eiders are a seaduck, … Continue reading Bird of the Day: Eider Duck
Bird of the Day: Peregrine Falcon
I am fortunate to live in an area where a number of peregrines are resident. I'm not sure how far they travel, but I have seen them on the South Downs; above a garden in Barcombe near Lewes when I was on an apple pruning course (I dropped my secateurs); and an incredible encounter watching … Continue reading Bird of the Day: Peregrine Falcon
Bird of the Day: Lesser Black-backed Gull
Gulls are quite difficult to paint in my style as they have a lot of white, so I bought some pale blue watercolour paper to use. Herring gulls are always popular but I do like to champion the less familiar species, and often, in painting them, I learn the diagnostic markings or features that mean … Continue reading Bird of the Day: Lesser Black-backed Gull
Blue tits and linocuts
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
