The Little Nuthatch

When I first started painting classification chart/field guide style paintings they were focused on the bird list for Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, to learn more about the birds at what is one of my favorite birding spots. At that time I didn't know that other people would want these paintings on their own walls, and I'm honored to have received such a great response. Thank you! That brings me to a new project, that is to redo those original guides to include the birds of North America beyond the specifics of Florida. Here is some current work in progress...

Yesterday I participated in the DeLand Indie Market, which was nestled between old buildings in the downtown, and offered good food and lovely arts and crafts. A great day! DeLand also happens to be near one of my favorite places, the Lyonia Preserve. I left in the dark to get there just after sunrise, allowing time for a walk before the market. Lyonia is home to rare scrub land and one of the few remaining homes of the Florida Scrub Jay. They're friendly birds who usually greet you there, as one did for me yesterday.

Author and illustrator Robert McCloskey won a bunch of awards for his books, he's another legendary artist! I grew up with Lentil and Blueberries for Sal in my collection.   

I've just put up a bunch of new Backyard Bird Guides for different states up on Etsy. I'm enjoying learning the range of my local birds, and now as I move into the west, I will be painting and learning some new ones! Here are the many new additions: Arkansas     Illinois     Iowa     Louisiana   Maine   Michigan   Minnesota   Missouri     New Hampshire   North Carolina   South Carolina     Vermont     Wisconsin  

In the last few weeks I've painted and made some new cards, specifically Happy Birthday cards, and one Thank You! I had originally come up with all these cards with specific friends in mind. Hopefully others will enjoy them too. Bat:   Flamingo:   Gopher Tortoise:   Ruby-throated Hummingbird: They are available in the shop!