Calico Pennants are beautiful dragonflies. Their spots vary in color from yellow to bright red depending on age and gender. Adult males have red, heart-shaped spots on their abdomens. Original painting is available here. Prints are available here.
I’ve never been very good at keeping things loose with the watercolors… or any other media I suppose. I decided I needed to give it a try. I did a few loose washes (by my standards) and then inked them … Continued
Well, after a great summer full of Baltimore Orioles visiting the three jelly feeders we had set up, we are down to nothing but wasps eating the jelly. It sure was great while it lasted. We had a fairly continual … Continued
These are pretty common dragonflies, but they are simply spectacular. Their eyes alone seem to have at least seven or eight colors on them! Those beautiful eyes, striped body and transparent wings made for a fun painting to work on. … Continued
For 9.5 and 6.5 years old our kids are pretty good birders. While doing homeschooling at the kitchen table one day, my daughter Kelly excitedly yelled out “scarlet tanager.” Despite my initial skepticism, she was right! Just outside our kitchen … Continued
In the spring and summer we have an almost continual flow of these attractive birds at the feeder. We often hear them cracking away at the white-striped sunflower seeds that we put out for them. For a few reasons they remind … Continued
Fox sparrows are striking birds. We often have them visit our yard in the spring. Typically they stay in the underbrush kicking up leaves to find food. This cooperative bird came right up close to have a peek under the … Continued
Its hard not to like these beautiful birds. They aren’t terribly showy or colorful, but they have an attractive mix of browns, whites and blacks with a perfect touch of brilliant yellow in front of their eyes. This one is … Continued
Few things are as cheery as the American goldfinch. Their friendly call and rollercoaster-like flight add to their obvious visual appeal. We have an almost constant stream of them at the thistle feeders. They like to nest in the blackberry … Continued
I always love seeing these attractive birds in the our yard. They arrive after a long Michigan winter, bringing the promise of nice spring weather.