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.

SPRING IN THE CITY

 

Before I get to my latest painting, I have noticed that this blog has been getting a lot of visits from people all over the world so I want to thank each and everyone of you. I hope you enjoy what you find and that you come back often!

Now that winter is a distant memory (or perhaps not so distant), weather has been warmer which has allowed my to explore a little of the area we now live in. On a warm cloudless day a week or so ago, we walked into the city taking note of interesting places to come back to. One was this building situated on the end of a block with a wonderful facade. I noted it was built with a pleasing combination of large red stone blocks and matching red brick. There were sculpted columns and gable head along with dragon head gargoyles! Beautifully arched windows finished off the front while the roof had decorative tiles and copper flashing. Most of these details continued along the longer side. I wanted to contrast the roof of the building with the deep blue sky behind and to include some of the trees newly in leaf. I often do a smaller study such as this mostly to see if it would be worth doing a larger painting. Size is 10 x 8 in (25 x 20 cm), oil on canvas board.

SANDERLING AT REST

 

Walking along the shore, I would often come across scenes like this. Sanderlings, either singly or in a group would run back and forth as the water surged and ebbed probing frantically with their bills in a sewing machine fashion. Then after feeding, a period of rest often followed where the birds would move higher up on the beach usually well away from the water and rest, occasionally preening. These times were the perfect opportunity for me to sit and draw them while they remained relatively still. This painting came from those studies. Here a single bird rests on one leg facing onto the wind in a pose that I hope captures something of its character. Size is 12 x 9 in (30 x 23 cm), watercolor on Strathmore paper.

ABANDONED

 

Now that I have my collection of ink pens at hand, I began thinking of doing something a little more complex and settled on this scene. I did a watercolor of this abandoned house that I saw on Lantau Island in Hong Kong some time ago and was pleased with the result. For this one I kept the composition a little simpler and tried to use the light and shadow to greater effect. The black areas were brushed in using ink then I began cross-hatching for the lighter areas. Details were either drawn in or stippled with various dots and dashes and for this I used a 0.8 mm pen. Size of this one is 11 x 8 in (28 x 20 cm), ink on paper.