Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Drawing - Gray Catbird

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Gray Catbird - Graphite on Paper
Copyright 2010, Nicole MacPherson

The first and only Catbird I've seen was in my yard.  I love it when a life bird is also a yard bird! 

He (?) actually hung around for three days last May, and was most impressed by the oranges we had put out for the orioles.  Sad to say, this year was catbird-less.  Actually, it was also oriole-less.  We had a very early, very warm spring, so maybe they had plenty of natural food and didn't need to lower themselves to handout from needy humans!

Only two weeks since the last drawing!  Wonder how many more I need before I can call it bein' on a roll!
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Thursday, September 2, 2010

This is cool, check it out!

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I always enjoy looking at the work of other artists.  Sometimes it gives me ideas, and sometimes it's just awe inspiring.  I'm attracted to a lot of different types of art, even though the art I do has a much narrower focus. 

Elza Kolesnikova is a watercolor artist, painting landscapes on glass. They're quite beautifully done!
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Drawing - American Avocet

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American Avocet - Graphite on Paper
Copyright 2010, Nicole MacPherson
Well, it's sure been a long time coming!

He looks a bit fuzzy-edged, truth be told, he's been sitting on my desk for some six weeks, begging and pleading to be finished!  Not entirely sure if it's a he.  American Avocet males have straighter bills than females, but it's not always easy to judge on a single bird!

Avocets are so beautiful, and often fairly confiding - they seem to have a much smaller zone of comfort.  This, combined with their larger size, makes them fun to photograph!  I love Avocets.  Ed calls 'em Flamingos. 

Next step?  Learn to draw water! 
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