A Little Gossip

A Little Gossip
Oil on panel, 14x11

I wanted to study the light on these birds in depth - so I worked from photo reference and my sketches from the plein air day at the KC Zoo.  The last two days have been my first experiences in painting these beauties - and I wanted to do them justice.  They are just so sassy with each other - it was a joy to watch them so closely - and capture them with paint!  I underplayed their real colors in this one - truly the red on these birds is cad red light straight from the tube!  I am finding that I LOVE painting animals!  This is day 22 of the 30 day painting challenge - and this daily painting has now become a habit :)

High in the Tree

High in the Tree
Oil on panel, 12x6

This was the first painting of the cold day at KC Zoo.  I painted from the second level of this 2 story setting.  The Macaws were SO brilliant in color - and so beautiful!  The last time I was at the zoo - I really wanted to paint them, but I didn't have my paints.  This was a very cushy location for such a cold day - nice and warm inside - and very little zoo traffic since it was so cold out.  When I paint animals in plein air, I first sketch out the composition directly on my panel.  Next, I lay in the main colors quickly - while they are in the same positions.  If one moves, I find another in a similar position - or move to a different one completely.  There were four parrots in this exhibit, so it really was pretty easy to capture their poses and colors.  If none were cooperating, then I would work on the background.  You just have to be flexible and fast - and know if you don't capture it quickly - you may not another chance!  This is the 21st day of the 30 day painting challenge - and I am just loving the opportunity to branch out and paint new subject matter!  Super fun!