It’s been about 18 years since I last painted a butterfly. At that time I created several to decorate our infant daughter’s bedroom. I used to paint them life-sized, but these magnified views posed more of a challenge. Those tiny facets on the wings took a long time to … Continued
This painting of a Black-and-white Warbler was based on photos I took at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in Ohio. I think the first one I remember seeing was at Shaker Lakes in the Cleveland area. In my mind I thought … Continued
I rendered a bunch of Indigo Buntings in a previous painting but had never done a painting with one as the main subject. Last spring I captured many serviceable, close photos of a cooperative male that came to our yard in the spring. Unfortunately, … Continued
Here’s another sketch from photos I took at the Hershey Gardens’ Butterfly House. I look forward to painting it! This butterfly is native to most of South America.
Sandhill cranes are gorgeous birds, and their eyes are almost hypnotic. In between trips and a crazy work schedule I was in a hurry to get something painted, so I went with a quick and simple portrait. I got great photo … Continued
Pennsylvania’s Hershey Gardens has a great butterfly house. I took a ton of photos there while visiting my brothers and mother last year. It was roasting hot but definitely worth it!
Tan Jumping Spider (Platycryptus undatus) I love these curious little jumping spiders! I’ve painted many different types in the past, but this is new to the collection. The Tan Jumper is one of the more common species found in Michigan. Globally … Continued
This painting of an Eastern Towhee is a little unusual. Snow isn’t the first thing I normally associate with this species. For a number of years a male towhee would show up in our yard a few weeks before I’d see … Continued
Gray Treefrogs frequent our yard. Hearing their call always puts a smile on my face. These frogs like selecting protected areas to hide during the day. A favorite spot is the space between the top of our shed door and the drip cap … Continued
Fox Sparrows are beautiful and entertaining birds. I tend to see them only in the spring and fall, but when I do get a peek at them, I always get excited. They are chunky birds with beautiful color and a fun habit of … Continued