Thursday, March 24, 2011

Drawing - Eared Grebe

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Eared Grebe - Graphite on Paper
Copyright 2011, Nicole MacPherson

I had actually started drawing a White-Throated Sparrow.  But it was a fight.  So I switched to this Eared Grebe.  He glided right out of the page, smooth as can be!  Wish I knew how that happens, so I could do it more often! 

This guy is displaying his crest, I liked the way it looked like a tophat!

Eared Grebes are mind blowing.  Non-birders only see them in the distance, so they're written off as ducks.  But when you start looking with binoculars?  They're so different!  The slender neck, the fluffy tails, the needle-like bill, the yellow facial plumes, and that red eye!  An amazing little bird, pretty common around here, but so rarely appreciated!
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9 comments:

  1. Fraser SimpsonMarch 24, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    Lovely drawing - you've captured its character very well, especially the mesmerizing eye!

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  2. holdingmomentsMarch 24, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Nicole, I just wish I had a fraction of your talent.

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  3. Mia McPhersonMarch 25, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Lovely drawing Nicole. Eared Grebes are just beginning to show up here in Utah after their winter break. Love seeing them in and out of breeding plumage

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  4. Nicole MacPMarch 26, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Thanks Fraser! The red eye was one of the things I kind of worried about drawing, in black and white!

    Awwww, thanks Keith!

    Thanks Mia! Wow, can't imagine having Grebes already! I'm still waiting for the Juncos! I don't think the Eared Grebes get back here til early May. :)

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  5. Mia McPhersonMarch 27, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    Nicole, It snowed here a couple times this week but hasn't really stuck. The birds are beginning to migrate into and through Utah. Saw Mountain Bluebirds a week ago and the American Pelicans are already twirling around in the sky.

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  6. Nicole MacPMarch 27, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    Awesome, Mia! Can't wait til the birds make it here! We missed a big snow last week, so I'm hoping we've seen the last of the white stuff till NEXT winter!

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  7. KellyMarch 29, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Oh my gosh, he's gorgeous!! I love the softness... He really looks like he's gliding.

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  8. Robin RobinsonMarch 30, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    These drawings are very beautiful. I agree with Kelly that I love the softness and I like your eye captures, too. Great work

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  9. Nicole MacPApril 5, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    Thanks Kelly! Yes, the Grebes have the neatest feathering - those fluffy butts!

    Thanks for the nice words, Robin!

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