Sunday, December 18, 2011

backyard birds




(7x10 each)
I could not get the shape of this sparrow right and had to keep adjusting his outline, which necessitated the use of some opaque white, which I also used in his throat. I try not to use opaque colors, or white, but, when it comes to painting, whatever's necessary! I also added a wash of quinacridone gold over the background at the end and tossed on a little salt.


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6 comments:

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laura,

I am crazy about these paintings. My husband is bird feeder crazy, and just bought a new one that is apparently squirrel proof. But he wants the cardinals, and blue jays and that means a more substantial feeder. Happy, happy holidays.

XO Barbara

Deepa Gopal said...

It's lovely! Loved both the birds...the second one is my favourite.

Joyfulartist said...

I think painting birds is a challenge. Yours look great!

RH Carpenter said...

The jay is bright and peppy looking. The wren is gorgeous - adding a little white doesn't detract from this beauty at all.

KO said...

Like them I do.

Robin@TheNatureCoast said...

i love these guys too~ esp. the way you've rendered the pine twigs behind the jay, not an easy thing to do! I think the sparrow has worked out grandly after yr challenges; the salt sprinkled background very nicely balances the twigs in the lower right and together embrace the bird nicely!