Penguin Pair

I spent several days plein air painting at the Kansas City Zoo, really enjoying the opportunity to study the animals.  Especially fun was getting to sketch the Humboldt penguins before and during feeding time.  These two were so sweet, preening each other, standing together the whole time I sketched, only moving when the girls came in with tasty morsels!!  Such a treat to get to paint these darlings.  This painting will be in the "Art of Kindness" Show at the Buttonwood Art Space in February and March.  Painting number 2634 in 2634 days.

Kansas City Zoo Entrance

I had planned to paint this entrance right after sketching it with ink and watercolor, from a distant hill.  As I finished that first sketch, the backlight became very strong, darkening all details in the foreground.  So, I went in and painted animals!  The next morning, the light was not inspiring, so after scouting several angles, I went in again to paint the animals.  Checking the light a couple of times during the day, I was still uninspired.  Finally, as I decided I might be done for the day, I walked out to see the light on the face of the buildings.  Now this was something I could paint!  So, I set up my oils and captured this in paint, before packing up for the day.  Painting number 2416 in 2416 days.

Elephants at the Zoo

Spending time in nature, with these amazing large elephants, has been such a wonderful experience.  As a painter, I'm set up for a longer period of time, really studying the animals.  Studying them with ink and watercolor as they move back and forth has been surreal. I can't wait to paint them in oils, now that I'm familiar with them!  Painting number 2415 in 2415 days.

Penguins at the Zoo

It was a perfect day for painting animals at the zoo!  Getting an early start, this was my second painting of the morning.  With so many penguins on display, I could easily paint them.  I first sketched their shape, and if they hadn't moved much, I quick painted their colors in.  Often one had turned away, so I would find one in a similar pose and use him for my model instead.  Most animals will circle back to their positions, so I work on another until that happens.  It has been a long time since I've painted here - it is great to be back!  Painting number 2413 in 2413 days.

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!

Nushi's Favorite Spot

Nushi's Favorite Spot
Oil on panel, 10x8

MVIS Zoo Paint-Out

 This painting day was spent at the Kansas City Zoo - on a Missouri Valley Impressionist's Society Plein Air Paint-Out.  This Red Crowned Crane spent at least an hour in front of this little waterfall with a jet shooting right into her face!  Mind you, it is in the 20's and ice has formed on the sides of the fall - and she loves the this spot!  Only leaving it for a few minutes, she made a great animal subject - keeping this position as long as I needed her to.  I have never painted zoo animals in plein air - and this was a wonderful experience!  I hope to return often!  This is day 20 of the 30 day painting challenge - and I am so glad I am a part of it!