White Ibis in Flight Pencil Sketch
Ibis aren’t the rarest birds in the world, but to a Michigander they are fascinating. Here is a sketch from a trip to Florida sponsored by my brother Ted.
The Sketchbook
I had someone ask recently about my sketching techniques and supplies. I thought I could summarize some of that here. The artists’ style may dictate the sketching material. There are probably as many opinions as there are artists. You can … Continued
Common Redpoll Watercolor Step-by-Step
The winters in Michigan can sometimes seem long and frigid. As compensation for the cold, we get treated by some great winter visitors. Some are common, but charming, like juncos. Others, like redpolls and siskins only appear in our … Continued
Cedar Waxwing Sketches
Our viburnum hedge always attracts tons of cedar waxwings.They have to be one of the sleekest looking birds around.
Ebony Jewelwing Female Watercolor Step-by-Step
Although I have painted a few male ebony jewelwings, this is the first female that I’ve painted. They have more subtle coloration than the males, lacking the intense metallic green. Instead, they have more bronze tones with a touch … Continued
Blue Jay Sketch
Jays are beautiful birds. They are incredibly intelligent and can mimic other birds quite well. Unfortunately, Jays also create plenty of mischief. They can bully the other birds at a feeder, and empty it in a New York minute. The jays … Continued
Lab/Chow Mixed-Breed Dog Sketch
We won the lottery when we got Archie from the local pound. I can’t imagine a better dog. He isn’t a snuggly guy, but he is very loving. He knows some fun tricks, including jumping through hoops and going down … Continued
Gray Treefrog Sketch
Any day that you get to see a gray treefrog is a good day. I hear these guys all the time, but see them only occasionally. Currently we have a green one living in a big set of wind chimes … Continued
House Sparrow Sketch
House sparrows are a real problem. They are said to be the most abundant wild bird species in the world. Visually, the males have some appeal. One can’t help but admiring their tenacity. At the same time they outcompete many … Continued
Common Redpoll Sketch
Winter never seems quite as long if the redpolls decide to come this far south in Michigan.