Birdland USA

I first became fascinated with the idea of depicting birds in their environment when I was sitting on the beach at Monterey Peninsula, painting on location.  The rocks at Lovers' Point were my subject matter, when a gull landed and posed for me for an inordinate amount of time.  I was amazed, and did my best to capture him on the white paper.  A simple watercolor sketch took on a greater depth of meaning with his presence.

Lovers' Point

So began my quest to capture the ethereal beauty of birds in their natural habitat.  The series has grown to include three additional paintings so far...

Ode to joy!

I was honored that this painting was juried into a show at Concordia University reflecting the many faces of birds.

Yes...?

This was inspired while on a trip to California.  I drew it off in lime green paint on paper and didn't finish it until three years later, at home in Texas.  I loved his expression and chose the title with that in mind.  His magnificent presence now graces our living room.

Solomon the Referee

This last painting was finished February 23rd, 2012.  I had longed to paint the unique coloring of the Gulf Coast Roseate Spoonbill, and was pleased with this first effort.  I have found myself fascinated with pink feathers, and am planning my next exploration:  the flamingo.  Hopefully the use of pink will not provoke the ire of the Komen Foundation, directed either at me or the birds.  Come to think of it, the birds were using it first.

Stay tuned...