Backyard Northern Shrike!

posted in: Sketches | 0

Every once in a while you get treated to a great bird right in your own backyard. We were treated to a Northern Shrike today. I managed to grab some documentary shots. Not great photos, but decent evidence of an … Continued

Black-capped Chickadee on Snowy Branches Pencil Sketch p7

posted in: Sketchbook, Sketches | 2

Chickadees are remarkable birds. First, it is almost impossible to find someone who doesn’t like these cute and cheery birds. In addition to looks and personality, they also seem intelligent and adaptable. Although tiny, they are hardy and can survive … Continued

Daring Jumping Spider Pencil Sketch p6

posted in: Sketchbook, Sketches, Spider art | 2

As a kid, summers in western NY seemed to go by much too quickly. My brothers and I spent a lot of time at a swimming pool that was near our house. The most dreaded thing we would hear was … Continued

One-eyed Toad Pencil Sketch (p5)

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I’ve had many, many pets. As a child my parents allowed my brothers and I to have a variety of great pets. We ALWAYS had a dog. We also had turtles, fish and several types of parrots. Many of my … Continued

Blue-spotted Salamander Pencil Sketch (p4)

posted in: Sketchbook, Sketches | 2

I love salamanders. Unfortunately, Michigan isn’t exactly the salamander capital of the world. I grew up in western New York where they are abundant. Whenever I return to my hometown I try go into the woods and turn over some … Continued

Ant-mimicking Jumping Spider Pencil Sketch (Page 3)

posted in: Sketchbook, Sketches, Spider art | 4

I found this awesome jumping spider on the faucet of the bathroom sink one morning. It was quite tiny—only about an eighth of an inch. I brought it downstairs and put it under the 100mm macro lens and three flashes … Continued

Crab Spider Pencil Sketch (#2)

posted in: Sketchbook, Sketches | 0

Crab spiders have habits that surprise some people. Unlike many spiders, they aren’t web builders. They are well camouflaged, hiding in flowers waiting for an unsuspecting bee, fly or beetle to come by to eat dinner… then WHAM, the crab spider pounces on their prey. It can be a dangerous world out there!