Pelican Precipice: Now I really feel like a Pelican!

Pelican Precipice

30x20 oil

$800

This was a two day affair as this piece is big...30x20...Almost life size...almost. I've been analyzing this thing I have for Pelican's. Some how I relate to their awkwardness..I feel this way at times...like whatever comes out of my mouth is wrong....no hiding it. When I error it tends to big a big one. 

Mockingbird

 

Mockingbird

6x6 oil

$125

I had never been around a Mockingbird before but there it was...unmistakable. I followed the sound down the alley, looked up and ...beauty! This pole was one of it's favorite digs. Morning after morning this is what I awoke to.

Three Crows

Three Crows

10x8 oil

$200

On a cloudy day they gathered...cackling and squawking... jockeying for position until there were seemingly hundreds in one tree. Empowered by their numbers, unafraid they remained. "Dirty weather birds" is what my dad called um...said Miss Millie...dirty weather.

Arrivals and Departures :A Dyptic

Arrivals 30x15 oil


Departures 30x15 oil






$1350 (sold together)

More Pelicans...this time in flight. My fascination with the birds continues.The Pelicans especially...awkward/ regal...cargo ships of the air. I have been trying to get at this painting for a number of days but it just seemed like everything else came first. But today my day was clear and I felt free to paint. I haven't painted this large for quite a while...side by side these will take up a full 60" of wall space plus I recommend some room in between them. I have painted them on 3/4" wrapped canvas and painted the edges...they come unframed. Should you decide to frame them I recommend something small and unobtrusive.

Crow's Everywhere!

Crow
6x6 oil
$125

                                                                                                     

OK, so one of the first things I noticed on my trip to Florida were the crows...by the hundreds they were everywhere. I never appreciated them much even though they are one of the only birds that stick around through the cold Wisconsin winters. They congregated around the mobile home park where my mother in law winters in St Pete waking us each morning like an alarm clock. I grew to like them and studied them as I painted them. You will see more of these!

Papapelagain...Look ma...one foot!

Pelican III
12x16 oil
$375

The light in this one was a bit of a challenge as the Pelican seemed to be back lit and I wanted to make sure your eye went to his head and beak and not the rocks below. took awhile but I think I got it right and I learned a lot about color temperature and values. I hope you are liking this project as much as I am!

Heron: A lesson in Grays, Blues and Luck

Great Blue Heron
16x12 oil
$375

                                                                

One day while painting with my Florida painting buddy (Greta Waldas)  in Fort DeSoto State park we were stalked by a number of curious birds. This fellow, who I believe to be a Great Blue Heron, hung out with us most of the day along with a Snowy Egret causing me to lay down my brush and pick up my camera over and over. They had no fear of us and came within 3 ft of me often. I felt so honored by them.

In light of the recent Japan earthquake and tsumami I had heard that cranes were considered "good luck" for the Japanese people...if that is true I humbly submit this one to you. I prayed for you while I painted.

Pelican I: or is it a curling puck?

 

                                                                              Pelican
                                                                             10x8 oil
                                                                               $200

Ok so this guy made me LOL (laugh out loud). I have a cat who is much bigger than he thinks he is so he is always trying to fit his body in places too small for him. This Pelican had a much better sense of balance than my cat however.

On a technological note: The blues in Florida water and sky are so different...almost foreign to me. One minute blue the next minute you see an unbelievable green. I am in love!

A Fascination with Florida Birds

Pelican II

10x20  oil

$400 Framed

I have decided to start a new blog having recently returned from a prolonged trip to Florida. When I got there one of the first things I noted were the birds everywhere...Mockingbirds, Mourning Doves, Cardinals, flocks of wild Parrots and Crows by the hundreds. At the beaches I saw birds I still don't know the names of among Pelicans, Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Sand Pipers and more. I am an avid photographer on my journeys and returned with a wealth of images from which to create paintings.

I'm starting you off with todays painting, a Pelican. Such an amazing combination of awkwardness and regal attitude, this guy provided me with hours of entertainment. I hope you enjoy this series as much as I have and will!