This second study allowed me to push the tonal range further — deeper shadows
and their yellow feet — which they shuffle to startle prey — remain one of birding's most distinctive field marks
The red-tailed hawk is the collection's most relatable subject — the raptor you've seen a hundred times but never really looked at
oil and pastel bird paintings
Eastern Phoebe, Golden Rod, Iron Weed ~ "Patiently Watching" ~ "Songbirds & Friends" ~ Watercolor Hummingbirds This second study allowed meThe Eastern Phoebe is a watcher. It perches on a low branch, wagging its tail, calling its own raspy name fee bee and waiting, perfectly still, until an insect passes; then it darts out, snaps it from the air, and returns to the same perch to watch again. Patience is its whole way of living, and that is the heart of this piece. I set it against the gold of goldenrod and the deep purple of ironweed, the two flowers that close out the meadow's year