Sadly, Least Bitterns are birds that I just don’t see very often. They are somewhat uncommon, quite small, shy, and maybe even a bit sneaky, preferring to hide among the dense reeds and grasses on the shoreline. They make … Continued
I love hearing these charming birds in the summer, and remembering their call is easy because my daughter taught me a clever little mnemonic she learned from Larkwire: “Sit, sit, sit… it’s breeeee-zy.” That works for me! I got the … Continued
Despite them being relatively common in migration, it took me a while to get around to painting a Tennessee Warbler. These birds breed in Canada and pass through our yard here in Michigan for just a few weeks in the … Continued
I don’t see Olive-sided Flycatchers very often here in Mid-Michigan, so spotting one is always exciting. On the rare occasions when I do see one, it’s usually perched high at the top of a bare tree, surveying the area for … Continued
Eastern Kingbird (7×10-Inch Transparent Watercolor on Arches 140lb HP Paper) I’ve seen Eastern Kingbirds countless times over the years, but this was my first time painting one. I usually encounter them at the edges of fields where they are hunting … Continued
This Gray-headed swamphen was one of my life birds from my last trip to Florida. To bird-nerds like myself, a life bird is one that you have never seen before. We get pretty excited about things like that! These birds … Continued
I’ve only painted hummingbirds twice before, and both were commissioned pieces. One featured five males of different species in Arizona and the other two Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. All were fun to paint, especially with those with bright metallic feathers! This bird … Continued
I tried a different sort of background on this watercolor. All those dead mangroves and other trees made for a somewhat surreal background for these American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts. I got a lot of photo reference for this painting … Continued
I think I finally found a good use for that block of Arches Cold press Paper. Rather than trying to force it into doing detailed work, which it seems to resent, I’ll use the paper for looser ink and watercolor … Continued
When Your Paper Fights Back: Painting a Royal Tern in Watercolor In my last post, which featured a Laughing Gull, I mentioned that I’d only painted a couple of gulls prior to that, and no terns. I’m happy to report … Continued