New Miniature- Bird Series One Done!

As many of you know, I am in California caring for my elderly mom and looking forward to a Thanksgiving/ family reunion in a few days. I was able to complete this little painting while here in Bakersfield and over the next few weeks, (while I take breaks from illustrating my new children's book; Duncan's Magic Garden), I hope to create a series of three 5"x5" paintings which depict the little bird called a Tufted Titmice. My friend on Twitter mikeyboy50, gave me permission to use his beautiful photographs as reference (thanks Mikey!). I'm using Art Boards, which have Arches Cold Press 156 lb watercolor paper mounted to Natural Fiber Panels. The panels are about 1/2 thick with little mounting brackets on the back so they are ready to hang and I plan on selling all three 5"x5" paintings as a group when they are complete.

I did not bring my camera, the photographs of the finished painting were taken with my cell phone!

Enjoy!

New Miniature Art -Titmouse Bird Series

I am in California caring for my elderly mom and anticipating a wonderful Thanksgiving/ family reunion in a few days. I brought a "bare bones" assortment of art supplies and am hoping to create at least one new miniature piece of art while I am here. Over the next few weeks, between sessions on my new children's book; Duncan's Magic Garden, I envision a series of 5"x5" paintings which depict three little birds called Tufted Titmice. My friend on Twitter mikeyboy50, gave me permission to use his wonderful photographs as reference and the surface I am using is new to me. I'm trying out three Art Boards. These boards have Arches Cold Press 156 lb watercolor paper mounted to Natural Fiber Panels. The panels are about 1/2 thick with little mounting brackets on the back so they are ready to hang. The Arches Watercolor Paper is mouldmade in France with 100% cotton fiber content, pH neutral and gelatin sized. So far, I love the surface!

Now...I did not bring my camera, so you are going to have to use a bit of imagination on these photographs since they were taken with me cell phone!

Tufted Titmouse work in progress one:



Tufted Titmouse work in progress two:



Tufted Titmouse work in progress three:


Enjoy!

A Thanksgiving Journey

I am headed out to California again tomorrow morning (at 2:00 AM!) to care for my elderly mother. Most of you know that my siblings and I have been taking turns flying into Bakersfield California from all corners of the continent. We have been caring for mom (who has been confined to bed since she broke her hip two years ago), making it possible for her to stay in her wonderful little house rather than a rest home. However, this cross-country journey will be different! I am bringing my teenage daughter with me and there will be a convening of family members who have not seen each other in nearly ten years! It will be a family reunion/Thanksgiving celebration all around mom's bed. I am really looking forward to traveling with my daughter and spending time with my family over this special holiday.



(mom and my "little brother" above)
Happy Thanksgiving!

Winter Mornings

There is often a sliver of time when my family is bundled out the door to work and school...when my studio fills with brilliant-frosty edged morning sunshine. When its frigid outside but the fire is burning bright and warm inside and the day is full of possibilities. My animal family all settle in, relishing the warmth, sunshine, and quiet. These moments are like little gifts to me, they are a personal oasis that I treasure each time they unfold on winter mornings.

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