Robin Nesting

Robin Nesting
Watercolor on paper, 9x6

This sweet robin is nesting in one of our trees, and today, I am capturing him with watercolor on 140lb cold pressed block.  I love painting on the blocks, and rarely use the single sheets of paper.  I think it is because I prefer a rigid surface - like my masonite and wood for my oils and acrylics, and the block holds it’s shape perfectly without any need to tape or clip down the paper (which is something I don’t like at all).  I feel a little rusty with this one, like I need to “brush up” on my watercolor bird painting......maybe I’ll do a few more birds until I feel comfortable again.  Painting number 1188 in as many days.

Robin Rhapsody

Robin Rhapsody
Oil on canvas panel, 8x6
purchase here

When I arrived home after a very full day, my intention had been to paint my first tulip - and bright orange bloom.  But, as I unloaded the car near the magnolia tree, the sweetest robin was singing in it's branches!  Inspiration springs up in these precious little moments of life - and I always listen.  It doesn't matter if I have a painting already sketched out, I will switch gears on a dime to rise to the occasion! I began this painting with my normal pastel sketch, and fully painted the robin before moving on to branches, blooms, and finally the sky.  Permanent rose is the main color for the magnolias - a great addition for those spring flowers!  Painting number 824 in 824 days :)

Robin in the Pear Tree

Robin in the Pear Tree
Oil on wood panel, 10x8
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The flowering pear outside of my bedroom window is bursting with delicate white blooms!  Spring has really arrived when the robins start looking for nesting spots!  Last year, they nested in the mulberry tree - I hope they will return to the same location!  Today, my chosen blue is prussian - it makes this wonderful warm blue sky. Transparent red oxide is just right for the robin, and my thickest white paint for the palette knife work is the best - if only my radiant white from Gamblin had arrived......it would be perfect for this painting! I think I'll top it off for the brightest highlights on the petals when it does come in.  This painting makes 822 in 822 days :)

The Robin's Nest

The Robin's Nest
Oil on panel, 14x11
sold

Last summer, while pruning back a stubborn mulberry bush, I found this little nest tucked deep within the branches.  Much to my surprise - there were three tiny blue eggs inside!  I had not seen any robins nearby as I worked, and I couldn't believe the nest was in such close proximity to where the cats had frolicked daily.  When I decided to paint this, I thought it would be easy subject matter - knocked out quickly.  Wrong!  That sweet little nest of sticks was certainly a challenge!  Getting enough paint on was key - and then the pulling  strokes hither and yon, completed the nest.  I am channeling my inner spring with this 397th painting in as many days :)