The Little Nuthatch — field guide paintings

I finished my painting of the "Vultures, Hawks, Falcons, Osprey" from the birdwatching list. The hawks look so similar to one another! My Audubon book wasn't cutting it so I had to go buy the National Geographic Field Guide to Birds to help in learning the differences between the birds. But who knew you could get a really nice copy of National Geographic's book at Borders for only 5.99? I used a coupon and it was 3.59, brand new! So very glad to have added that to my collection! It's a great book. Oh god, there are 230 more birds...

I previously posted about drawing all the birds from the Black Point Drive birdwatching list, and starting with the "Herons, Egrets, Ibis, Spoonbill" list. Here is the finished painting: The idea was that I would learn more about the birds, while at the same time having fun creating some art. Definitely worked with this first piece. I really wish it was birding season so I could go test out my skills in identifying these long-legged waders! Next up is "Vultures, Hawks, Falcons, and Osprey". I did the drawings and will begin painting tomorrow. I had no idea there were so...

Black Point Drive is bird watching drive with trails that is part of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. It is one of my favorite places. Every time I go I enjoy looking at the birds, and it's like this-- "That's a heron. No, an egret... A white egret...?" Oh, a Great Egret. When I went this week I was overjoyed because I spotted some birds and with uncertainty proclaimed they were Avocets. I went home, checked the book, and I was right! The only reason I knew that was because I had drawn them before. So, I decided I will start...

It seems like it is always FREEZING, so I've spent every night this week on the couch watching the Olympics and drinking tea. Nice as that is, I have been feeling very unproductive! Well, we had a quick warm up making for a beautiful weekend with a high of 75. After all that freezing weather it was weird to see people walking past my window on their way to the pool! Sadly I had to work this weekend, but as soon as I got home I opened up the windows for some beloved fresh air and got to work on...