Common Ground Dove Watercolor and Ink Step-by-Step
The Common Ground Dove isn’t a bird that I’ve been around my whole life. I’ve only encountered them while on trips to Florida. I really enjoy these beautiful little birds. This particular one was sitting on the dikes between flooded areas at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.
Dark-eyed Junco Pencil Sketch p46 (Rant on Drawing in Public Places)
Dark-eyed Juncos make these long Michigan winters seem to go by a tiny bit faster. I grew up in Western New York where we had these friendly birds year round. Here in mid-Michigan they disappear in the spring and return … Continued
Blue Jay Transparent Watercolor Painting Step-by-step
I have a lot of mixed feelings about Blue Jays. They are undeniably beautiful and intelligent birds, but they have a lot of ugly behaviors. Maybe that big brain just causes too much trouble? Blue Jays can empty a feeder … Continued
Cold American Robin Pencil Sketch p45
Like the last post, I got photos of this American Robin in the backyard in the early spring. This poor guy was really unhappy with the snowfall and cold snap that settled in. I put out some mealworms to cheer … Continued
Eastern Towhee Pencil Sketch p44
This male Eastern Towhee showed up a few weeks early last spring. I’m assuming that it is the same male that shows up super early in our yard every year, but who really knows. Maybe its the place to be … Continued
Batrachology: Amphibians in Art (January 18 – April 13, 2014)
Print available here. I’ll have nine paintings on display in the upcoming Batrachology: Amphibians in Art show at the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art in Midland, Michigan. The show runs from January 18–April 13, 2014. It should be an interesting collection … Continued
Tan Jumper–Jumping Spider Pencil Sketch p43 (Platycryptus undatus)
I realize that spiders aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some people get the creeps from these little guys. I’m often asked how I decide what to draw and paint. In all honesty I just do whatever has my interest at … Continued
Dimorphic Jumping Spider Pencil Sketch p42
One of the best things about homeschooling the kids is that we can have class outside on the picnic table when the weather cooperates. That improves everyone’s mood. I’m pretty open to “teachable moments” when a distraction is worthwhile. Springtime … Continued
Immature Grey Wall Jumper Pencil Sketch p41
I have mentioned that I get a lot of drawing done while waiting for my kids in karate. Many of the children come over and ask to see what you are drawing. They really seem to get kick out of … Continued
Magee Marsh Yellow Warbler Pencil Sketch p40
The Crane Creek, Ohio area is a favorite migrant hotspot in the Spring. Warblers are plentiful. We took our children for the first time this year. They had a blast and saw a handful of life birds. I brought … Continued