Goldfinch and Native Flowers

 We have one meadow that we do not bale, and I toss in wildflower seeds every time I have extras.  Right now I have 50 wild sunflower heads drying for just this purpose!  With a meandering path cut through, I can get great views of the flora and fauna to paint!  The goldfinches are abundant as many flowers are going to seed! They dart all over the meadow lighting on stems and dining on seeds! Love that brilliant yellow among the flowers!  Painting number 2806 in 2806 days. 

Goldfinch in the Plum Tree

Goldfinch in the Plum Tree

I’ve been stretching myself way too thin lately, so I am taking a little “pen and ink” vacation, where I revel in the ink for a little art therapy!  I will return to the figures in a day or two, but for now I am enjoying the freedom of the birds in my fruit trees!  Everything is exploding in bloom - and I am drawn to capture it in pen and ink!  I may have to get some of this down in paint, as well!  Spring may just be my favorite time of the year!!  Drawing number 1174 in 1174 days.

Little Goldfinch

Little Goldfinch
Oil on panel, 6x4
purchase here

With so much cooking for Thanksgiving to do, I'm in a bit of a rush today.  Therefore, I am painting small - and painting this sweet little bird out the window.  The winds are blowing in a cold front, and he is looking for his feeder - which has been moved by our giant puppy!  In my hurry, I dropped this little guy on the carpet - face down - and he now wears a few dog hairs!  I will have to pick them out when the paint is a bit drier!  This painting makes 697 in 697 days - now back to the kitchen I go!

Goldfinch and Coneflowers

Goldfinch and Coneflowers
Acrylic on panel, 11x14

I had started this painting before, bringing it out for the final touches tonight, when I realized I did not have enough time to finish my landscape of the day.  Some days are just so packed with activities, I scarcely have time to eat (or sleep).  I had an hour to block in a creek scene from the George Owen Nature Park plein air event - which I had the honor of judging earlier today.  After seeing the "Into the West" show at the Kansas City Club, and stopping by the Power and Light art show afterwards, I thought I would have enough time to complete my piece.  Instead, I had a little family time, and now I am posting at this late hour, with an early morning baseball practice on the horizon.  Why can't I just have an extra 6 hours in every day?  This simple addition would certainly give me ample time for all of my needs.  I thought I might just top this painting off in oils, but for now, I will leave it in acrylics.  I have always liked to paint my birds in acrylic.  This is the 134th painting in 134 days.