The Spell of Birds. . .

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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

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