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
Halloween Bird Hats!
I have the coolest kids in the world. Every year they request an unusual costume. Inevitably it is some sort of animal. In the past requests have been bear, penguin, Red Fox, shark, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Keel-billed Toucan, Tocu Toucan, Great … Continued
More Backyard Jumping Spiders
Here are some more fun jumpers from the backyard. The jumping spider activity has really fallen off with the cool fall weather settling in. Once the first frosts come in I’ll be out of luck until spring. Included in these … Continued
Backyard Jumping Spider Photos
I know they aren’t for everyone, but I’m crazy about jumping spiders. I’ll photograph them every chance I get. These small spiders are pretty easy to find. I often have good luck searching the side of the house. Jumping spiders … Continued
Toby Shepherd Chow Elkhound Tasmanian Devil Mixed Breed Pencil Sketch p38
We call him “Toby the Terror” when he is the Devil Dog and “Toblerone” when he is sweet. After the heartbreak of losing our perfect dog Archie days before Christmas, we got a new dog named Toby. He is about … Continued
Brown-headed Nuthatch Pencil Sketch p36
I have my brother-in-law to thank for this life bird. I haven’t spent much time in the South other than a few trips to the Florida Everglades, so I never got a chance to see a Brown-headed Nuthatch. My brother-in-law … Continued
Snowy Egret in Flight Pencil Sketch p37
Snowy Egrets seem to have two speeds: full on or full off. At times they are patiently waiting or stalking fish, and then the very next moment they are full of frantic energy. Growing up in south-western New York, you … Continued