Thursday, November 13, 2008

A Flock of Birds Emerges Today







6 Watercolor Bird Studies
Done on 140 Pound Rough Watercolor Paper

I decided to do some more bird portraits today. As my sister has mentioned she'd like a finch painting,I took a book on how to draw birds and anything finch-like, I tried painting. Plus a few other species as well. Using a few how-to examples as a starting point, I painted the top bird first. I did not intend for the left side of the bird to lose its edges and form, but I kind of like how it flows as I look at it now. On a second sheet of paper, I did four separate bird portraits. (All done in watercolor). I've got some photos of birds I have taken from the past and will reference them for future paintings, but this was just how I wanted to begin. The book suggests specific paint colors for each part of the bird, but I experimented with some of my own colors as well. I did not add much water to my paint, and noted that the colors seemed brighter, more saturated.
I scanned the watercolor original (with the four birds on it) so I could see it on the computer. Unfortunately, my 8.5 x 11" scanner could not accommodate the bigger paper So I had to break each bird down so it was its own separate portrait study. Sometimes I kept a pair of them together. Each seems to have its own story to tell. That's fine with me for now, as I am not sure which of the birds appeals to me at this point. I suppose in the future I'll get a bigger scanner or use smaller paper. Today, though, this sufficed.
Anyway, it was nice to paint and paint and paint today. Some of the birds seem a tad bizarre, others have a more realistic feel to them. These birds are a diversified group.I see I have not done much of a background. I like the way the birds float on the white paper though. Maybe tomorrow I'll change my mind and add a background. What's nice about art, we're not locked in. So freeing. I'm always surprised at the unpredictability of my creative self. But I accept and embrace what surfaces.
I showed my husband the paintings and he said "Now that's the Bev I remember". Those words were a nice ending to a very creative day.

7 comments:

Laura said...

Oh honey this are so great. you are really opening up and share you best parts. More more More!!!! just love the fresh feeling to them.

~v~Laura

Tao Master said...

I agree with Laura, more, more, more
The world needs more of your beautiful and loving creations. Keep going forward !!

Marjorie said...

I do like your bird studies! Esp the first one, the finch. And yes, I do like the undefined left side and the branch he's on. Colors are all great! Keep on...

Lin said...

I always love your birds, Bev.

Soulsearcher said...

I am a bird lover and these paintings stir up all those emotions in me. Would you consider putting these images onto some cards? I would love sending notes on them to my fellow bird-loving friends and family!

Doris said...

These are beautiful Bev! My eyes lit up and my adrenaline perked up when I opened your page! Keep them coming!

april said...

You are doing so many wonderful things these days! I'm so glad and love seeing them, as you hear everyone does! The birds make you feel happy. Great colors. Love them!