HARRIER AT BLACKWATER

 

I have written in the past about my many visits to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge near the eastern shore of Maryland and here is another painting from the area. I have probably completed more paintings of Blackwater than any other area I have been, difficult to describe in words but there is something about the place that really speaks to me as an artist. A view looking across the water gets me everytime, and this somewhat simplistic composition is one I return to time and time again. In this small watercolor, a female Norther Harrier flies over the marsh looking for prey, a scene I have witnessed many times. Size is 11 x 7.5 in (28 x 19 cm).

RED EAR

 

I sat at the waters edge and watched a terrapin slowly rise up from the bottom of a deep clear pond. It's head broke the surface and there it floated long enough for me to do a few sketches in my sketchbook. Later I did this watercolor. Since the water was so clear and the subject in bright sun, I could easily see all the details of the shell and feet which I made note of along with a few color descriptions. This was a fun painting to do - I don't usually say that as most of them are a real struggle especially if I don't have a clear idea in my head. I have found if I can first visualize the whole painting then I have a much better chance of creating something that I am happy with. Size is 15 x 11 in (38 x 28 cm).

ALONG THE ALGARVE VIII

 

I think with this painting, I came a little closer to what it is I wanted to say about the coastal rocks along the Algarve in Portugal. I spent a lot of time there wandering the beaches and coastline looking, sketching and trying to hold in my mind the character and atmosphere of the place. That it was beautiful was obvious but I tried to look beyond all that to some of the patterns and rhythms I could see. The rocks were staged naturally in this scene so I didn't have to do any creative editing that I sometimes do. The water was a lot calmer on that day too so there is only a little surf which seems to work better with this smaller collection of rocks. Size is 10 x 8 in (26 x 20 cm), oil on board.

THE WANDERER - YOUNG PEREGRINE FALCON

 

In this painting, my initial idea was to portray a young bird recently out of the nest and ready to begin life on its own. Not all first year birds will make it and this bird was based on such a bird that was found unable to fly properly. After rehab, it was then released back into the wild. Here the bird is looking out over a vast territory signifying the distance it has to go so I kept the background somewhat misty with just a hint of morning clouds higher up. I deliberately posed the bird facing slightly away so as to get a feel that it could take flight at any time. Size is 24 x 18 in (61 x 46 cm), oil on canvas.

BLUE ROCK THRUSH

 

One thing I always looked forward to when living in Hong Kong were the winter months. Not so much for the obvious reason that the weather would be cooler, but for the chance to see migrant birds with the possibility of rarities turning up. With many winter visitors, one bird that was always a welcome sight was the Blue Rock Thrush which was often seen while hiking around and exploring - especially along the shore of the out-lying islands. The bird shown here is the red-bellied race philippensis and was a favorite winter bird for me. Apparently a few pairs do stay to breed in Hong Kong and I have many fond memories trying to draw and paint these birds while out in the field. Size is 10 x 6 in (25 x 15 cm), watercolor on paper.

OLD STUMP

 

While out walking quite some time ago, I saw this weathered stump. It was all that was left after the main trunk had broken off (most probably during a powerful windstorm). The heartwood was almost entirely eaten away although some of the branches were still intact but since it was winter, I couldn't tell if any part was still alive. Anyway, I had started this study at that time but then it was put away while other newer paintings got their chance. Lately, I found it again while going through some of my folders so decided to finish it. In this one, I wanted to do a watercolor that looked like a watercolor - if you know what I mean. The goal for a lot of my paintings is for them to look real but also to look painted as opposed to looking like a photo. To me, this one looks like a painting and feels just right. Size is 15 x 11 in (38 x 28 cm).

HORNED GREBE STUDIES

 

We only see Horned Grebes in winter around here and by that time, the males have lost their spectacular breeding plumage. I usually find them around the shoreline diving in shallow water usually alone but sometimes up to 3 or more. I never have been able to get really close views of them as they are quite shy and always swim away as I approach. At times, I have sat quietly near the shore and have watched them diving relatively closely - close enough at least to see the unusual red eye with the tiny yellow-ringed pupil that these birds have.

The Horned Grebe is known as Slavonian Grebe in Europe and in the above painting, this is the view I usually get of them! I do enjoy the pattern on the back of the head though so thought I'd do an illustration of that feature. I have been working on a series of illustrations lately so that is what I'll be posting for a while. Don't worry though, I'll get back to some 'serious' painting soon. Both these watercolors were done on a 9 x 12" sheet of Grumbacher paper.