The Spell of Birds. . .
Bird plaque2
Bird plaque2
Years and years ago I painted this Cardinal on a wooden plaque and
copied the saying from a book on birds.
Birds. . .
Interpret the beauty of living better than anything else.
They represent
freedom,
vulnerability,
and
endurance.
This plaque has been hanging in my hallway since and when I found
silhouettes of crows, I topped it with one.
So this month, as I've been watching all the birds come to our feeder
in this snowy cold weather, I'm reminded of the above saying and
dedicate this newsletter to my feathered friends.
When the temperatures plummet, I worry for their ability to make it
through the night. How happy we are to see them back in the morning
pecking away in the snow for seeds, peanuts and bread that we throw out
for them.
I've loved, watched, followed, studied, and painted birds for decades
and they still are my favorite subject to paint. So I hope you enjoy
this months' dedication to God's special creatures, The Birds.
_____
Flight Home 12x12 Oil
Flight Home 12x12 Oil
We've all seen the flight of hundreds of birds soaring above headed
south, or north in the case of geese. It still amazes me and thrills me
to see them flying in such an excited manner! They seem to be
communicating to one another, or singing their special traveling song,
or whatever bird talk they do. When I see them on their journey, I
always ask them. . . Can I come too?
Fortunately, because I live here, the Midwest part of our country has
the greatest amount of birds that migrate 'to and fro'. It's called the
Great American Flyaway. More birds travel through the Midwest states
than in any other part of the country. And a lot of them I know just
when they're coming, or leaving. Who stays, who doesn't.
Yes. . . God's special creatures.
_____
The screech owl 8x10 soft pastel
The screech owl 8x10 soft pastel
Talk about a favorite owl of mine! If you haven't heard this owl's
voice, you're missing something. They named it the Screech Owl because
that's just how it sounds. . . like a human screeching.
I remember it well the first time I heard one. I was walking one late
evening through a group of tall bushes to get to my neighbor's house,
and just as I was in the middle of of them, this little guy let out his
screeching song. Wow! I froze to say the least.
Since then, I listen for him. We live on two acres of wooded property
so we have many winged visitors. Even the stately Great Horned Owl who
I hear hooting back and forth to their mate. Probably discussing what
field to go to and scout out dinner.
But this little guy, and they are little as far as birds of prey go, is
a special treat to hear. . . especially on a rainy Halloween night!
_____
Nuthatch 9x12 soft pastel
White Breasted Nuthatch
9x12 soft pastel
This little sweetie is a White Breasted Nuthatch. We have two kinds
here. The Red Breasted Nuthatch that comes in the spring. This guy
stays all year but the Red Breasted leaves for warmer weather.
They are so fun to watch as they travel down the tree as well as up.
Like a squirrel, it goes in both directions. There are a few other
species that do so including wrens and creepers that I've seen do.
They don't have a song. Just a 'yank yank' sorta of sound.
_____
Eastern Bluebird 4x6 oil
Eastern Bluebird 4x6 oil
The early bird gets the worm!
I made this background months ago. It sat and sat as I could not figure
what to put on it. Seems when I wait it out, it comes on its own.
The small gesso board is textured with gesso and makes for an
interesting background.
Now I must say, I've never seen this guy. They aren't too plentiful
here in the Midwest as in other eastern states, hence, the Eastern
Bluebird.
_____
To further capture my feathered friends, below is another sketch book I
made especially for the many varieties I see, don't see, or wish to
see. Made with the Coptic Stitch, this one has watercolor and mixed
media paper to take watercolor paints. The cover is covered with birch
tree scrapbook paper then collaged with a few variety of birds.
(Remember, I made a crow sketchbook just for Corvus [their scientific
name] )
My first entry, the Downy Woodpecker done in watercolors. There's
another version of this bird who are look-alikes and it's called the
Hairy Woodpecker (why that name I haven't a clue). I plan to fill this
sketchbook with all sorts of feathered beauties!
Bird sketchbook
Bird sketchbook
Downy Woodpecker watercolor
Downy Woodpecker watercolor
_____
While we're on watercolors, here are two I recently did. Lost in the
forest was a surprise. I wanted to clean up my palette and just
willy-nilly placed colors on the paper. It then took its own path and I
saw trees, a stream, and what was meant as a beginning bush, turned out
to look like a person. So. . . Lost in the Forest it became.
The second one, Gualala River, is from a photo my nephew, who is a
professional photographer, took up in Northern California where he
lives. I plan to do the photo in oils and pastels as it holds a
mystical foggy look. My favorite type of scenes. . . ok. . .one of my
favorites as I have many!
Lost in the forest 7x8 watercolor
Lost in the forest 7x8 watercolor
Gualala river 8x10 watercolor
Gualala river 8x10 watercolor
_____
Well.... not being able to stand it any longer. . . we braved the
weather and did a plein air outing. It was about 14 degrees wind chill,
but in the sun it seemed warmer. It made for a nice outing in fresh
cold air painting a snow scene.
plein air day
plein air day
plein air touchup
4x4 finished plein air touchup
_____
Snow Snow and more Snow 9x12 soft pastel
Snow Snow and more Snow 9x12 soft pastel
Well dear ones. . . this is what we have here now. Snow snow and more
snow. . . and more on its way.
We were spoiled with a brown winter in December but starting in January
and this month, Mother Nature seems to be catching up. She must have
been busy elsewhere and noticed she deprived us of what we are due.
Snow snow and more snow. . . and not to mention Father Winter blowing
his cold breath on us to boot!
Hold on. . . July will be here soon enough!
_____
plein air day at the Little Red Schoolhouse
plein air day at the Little Red Schoolhouse
Thank you all for taking time to read my Artful Newsletters.
I appreciate all your comments.
May this find you all well and carrying on as usual.
All things are passing. . . as St. Teresa of Availa wrote.
And my favorite. . .
Keep Calm and Carry On
~Winston Churchill
ww.arlenetilghman.com
arlenetilghman@gmail.com
_____
The birds
The birds
One last thought. . . may you. . . may we all. . . take heed from our
feathered friends and find or know the beauty of living by valuing our
Freedom. . . allow ourselves to be Vulnerable to life, love, loss, etc.
and above all to keep Enduring, through it all.
As my dear mother use to always tell me, "Don't worry, what will be
will be, you're in God's hands".
Til next month. . .
Painting with Passion ~ Arlene
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