Day 13 - "Sunset Blue"

"Sunset Blue", 5"x7", watercolor

Missed a couple of days because school started back, so I'm trying to get at least one done tonight.  Loved the photo I took of this heron taking flight late in the evening, I could just barely see the lights and darks of his body.  More of him soon.

Day 9 - Ms. Redbird 2

"Ms. Redbird 2", 5"x7" watercolor

Finally found a good photo of the lady cardinal, and quickly dashed this out.  I was also working on a much larger painting of one of the egrets I did this week, which I will share tomorrow!

Day 8 - "Ms. Redbird"

"Ms. Redbird" 7"x5" watercolor

The Cardinal is the state bird of my home state, North Carolina, so I always enjoy seeing them come to visit, it reminds me of home.  This one was hanging out at the feeder last weekend and was so feisty, she was chasing all the other birds away, even challenging the larger red-wing blackbirds.  She got plenty, and kept coming back for more!
It was a very overcast day when I took the reference photos, she was a very dull olive, with just hints of red, but had the most amazing crest!

Day 7 - Great Egret 2

"Great Egret 2" 7"x5" watercolor

Same bird, different pose.  This one looks a bit washed out.  It amazes me how these birds can curve those loooong necks around!

Day 6 - Great Egret

"Great Egret" 7"x5" watercolor

Whites are always a challenge, because it's difficult to describe the form with little color, few shadows or highlights.  This guy had very little color, so I exaggerated the little that he did have and made up the rest.  It helps that he has a colorful background!

Day 5 - Bayside Blue #3

Bayside Blue #3, 7"x5" watercolor

Boy, when I decide to do a series... Oh well, maybe I'll get a few more of these guys painted!  Still looking at and working on the proportions of those very long legs...

Day 4 - "Bayside Blue #2"

Bayside Blue #2, 7"x5" watercolor

Another bird from the Bay!  I love seeing these guys on my pier, and am amazed at their stealth when fishing.  When they fly away, they honk!
These small paintings are a warm-up for some larger bird paintings in my very near future!

Day 3 - "Bayside Blue"

"Bayside Blue" 7"x5" watercolor

I wanted to focus on some of the wildlife I have photographed at our home at the edge of a brackish bay.  When we bought the home, the home inspector remarked that this area was a major flyway for many bird species.  We see Blue Herons fairly regularly, but we are always excited when we see these big guys on our pier (which is broken, but still a great place for birds to perch!).
I hope to share many of these birds, other wildlife, and flowers in the month to come through these paintings.
Enjoy!
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