12 Bird Challenge: Goldeneyed Swimmer

Little Quacker
Watercolor and Ink on paper, mounted 8x10"

Last summer I visited Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago after a few days of visiting this girl. It was a little overcast and the zoo was large and open with very few people. The trees and flowers were in full bloom and the shrubs were towering and overgrown just the way I love. There was a huge pond and bridge where hundreds of duck and swans and flamingos- birds of all kinds really- were  swimming and being fed. It was my paradise, and I've been wanting to paint a little black and white duck ever since. They are so cute and have the most gorgeous patterns with thick layers of downy feathers to wick away the water and keep them warm. And those great big feet just kill me.

So this little swimmer is actually called a Barrows Goldeneye, but since I always envision my characters with personality I gave him a new name and a little hat with movement in his legs. Like he's swimming and darting here and there and quacking at all the other ducks in the pond. Just doing what cute ducks do.

*This painting is part of a 12 Bird Challenge running from now until March 22nd.  All paintings will be for sale on the 25th.

12 Bird Challenge: Dark Raven

Dark Raven
Watercolor and Ink on paper, mounted 8x10"

When I considered giving myself this painting challenge, I think I forgot how much I enjoy my days off. Since becoming a full time artist I've gotten quite used to long hours and working weekends as I can never really seem to stop thinking about work. I've really had to try hard to keep a day of rest in there somewhere, and this painting challenge certainly hasn't helped me do that! Nonetheless, at the end of it I'll be happy looking back at 12 finished paintings. I just love seeing them all together hanging on my studio wall (pictures to come)!

This raven is a little expression of my dark side, which really isn't all that dark but mostly consists of moody purples and blues. I imagine him with a slightly deeper voice (because, duh, he can obviously talk), friendly and talkative but misunderstood. Ravens always get a bad rap as do most black birds with greasy feathers. But I'll tell you what- I really don't mind them at all.

*This painting is part of a 12 Bird Challenge running from now until March 22nd.  All paintings will be for sale on the 25th.

12 Bird Challenge: Red Tailed Hawk

Red Tailed Hawk
Watercolor & Ink on paper, mounted 11x14"

Yesterday I took a drive into town, the roads winding through back country farms past fields of cows and pastures of horses. I really love where I live and am so thankful for the inspiration all around me, even in the simple ways I experience it, like watching puffed up Red Tailed Hawks balance on top of skinny telephone poles, eyeing the ground (and me) for anything suspicious. They are so gorgeous with their layers of rusty feathers and big golden feet. That fierce gaze. 

Sometimes, when the snow starts falling and the wind picks up, I see them swooping between trees and resting high up on the top branches, covered in a layer of pretty white flakes like they're wearing a white fur coat. They are so tough, these birds, and so abundant around these parts. How lucky am I to see them as often as I do, and now to have one to accompany my growing wall of birds (I'll show you that soon).

*This painting is part of a 12 Bird Challenge running from now until March 22nd.  All paintings will be for sale on the 25th.

Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Wiry Red Fox
original watercolor illustration 8x10"

This month's giveaway is a little different.  I recently illustrated a quote from "How I Go to the Woods"- a favorite poem by my favorite author Mary Oliver.  Unbeknown to me, Mary Oliver has pretty tight restrictions on her writing...so this painting will now be given away instead of sold.  But that's ok!  You all know how much I love giveaways. :)

 

Every purchase in my Etsy shop during the month of February will enter your name in the drawing once.  Purchase an original and get your name in the drawing 5 times. The giveaway will close Thursday, February 28th at midnight central standard time.

Thanks for letting me change it up this time!  I have some really great giveaways coming up this year that I know you'll really enjoy.  This will be the first of many!

Click here to visit my Etsy shop.