Rowdy Studios: 30 Sketches Project I, II, III, IV & V

Saturday With BB

2011-07-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

All of BB's upcoming adventures will be posted on Rowdy's Blog. Here is the latest adventures of BB...SATURDAY WITH BB.

Sponsor a Grad Student

2011-07-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

Looking to invest some of your cash? Sponsor a Grad Student!

Project V: BB Hits the Streets

2011-07-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

I've littered New Zealand with the adventures of BB.

BB has breakfast in her shithole kitchen.

BB hangin' with the wrong crowd.

BB sittin' on top of the world.

BB says WHAT?!

BB playin' it safe.

BB on Gary's painting.

BB catchin' a ride on the back of a beetle.

BB hittin' the books.

BB contemplating the fairness of art.

BB way up high.

BB globetrottin'.

Silly BB, you can't skate.

BB and berries.

BB had a long day.

Fixin' Lameness

2011-07-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Okay people, I'll give it to ya straight - I'm bored senseless with 30 Sketches Project V. I've become familiar with 17 New Zealand birds in line and form which is great but I have no heart in completing the project as is...so I'm tweeking it.

BB (Blue Bird) wants to get out and see the world so that's what I've done. The remainder of the project is located in the post up top. BB Hits the Streets...New Zealand-style.

Curtain closed on 30 Sketches Project V!!!!!

Project V Watercolor 17: 3 Fairy Prions

2011-07-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

3 Fairy Prions

I. Heart. Fairy Prions. I had the privilege of sketching a few from Te Papa Museum's specimen collection and the first adjective I thought of in it's description is handsome.

Project V Watercolor 16: 3 Kakapos

2011-07-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

3 Kakapos

Hmmmm...parroty.

Project V Watercolor 15: 3 New Zealand Kingfishers

2011-06-26T23:13:00.000-07:00

3 NZ Kingfishers for Lani

One of the best things I'll take away from my time here in New Zealand is seeing NZ Kingfishers in the wild. I've seen 2 so far but I made this painting in hopes for seeing at least a third. This is a thank you watercolor for Lanny 2 Bucks. Thanks so much for all of your help and keep a look out in the mail my friend! I miss you greatly pal!!!!!

Project V Watercolor 14: 2 Takahes

2011-06-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

2 Takahes

Dinosaur-like. Check.

Project V Watercolor 13: 3 Keas

2011-06-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

3 Keas

Keas are cheeky little monkeys. They are mountain parrots and will untie your shoelaces and destroy your windshield wiper blades for fun. They are very similar to bored teenagers.

Project V Watercolor 12: 5 Australian Magpies

2011-06-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

5 Australian Magpies

I wonder if they have funny accents?

Technical Difficulties

2011-06-24T01:47:00.000-07:00

Please do not think that I've abandoned this project, I'm just having technical difficulties resulting from the lack of a NZ adaptor/converter for my US camera battery. I'll be up and running again within the next few days and will post 5 Australian Magpies, 3 Keas, and 2 Takahes. Road blocks are part of this journey...

Project V Watercolor 11: 4 New Zealand Pigeons

2011-06-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

4 New Zealand Pigeons

The New Zealand Pigeon is a bit different from you average town-dwelling pigeon. It is larger in size and is greenish-grey with a white chest. In the sun the feathers pick up beautiful iridescent purples and teals. These guys are usually seen in forested areas or open fields. Just like every other city on the planet, Wellington has your typical smaller grey, white, and black pigeons. Hey bird experts, is that considered the Rock Pigeon?

If interested in purchasing 4 New Zealand Pigeons click here.

Project V Watercolor 10: 7 Silvereyes

2011-06-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

7 Silvereyes

Silvereyes have what I like to think of as disco silver eyeliner around their eyes. It actually looks more like white to me but maybe white means silver in New Zealand.

If interested in purchasing 7 Silvereyes click here.

Project V Watercolor 9: 7 Black Robins

2011-06-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

7 Black Robins

New Zealand is filled with little fluff-ball birds like the black robin. These birds are really friendly...no fear. That's what happens when you don't have any natural predators.

If interested in purchasing 7 Black Robins click here.

Project V Watercolor 8: 7 Little Blue Penguins

2011-06-14T17:18:00.001-07:00

7 Little Blue Penguins

Here is another bird I have yet to see with my own eyes. I also use the term "bird" very lightly. I'm not 100% convinced that penguins are really birds. Like the kiwi, penguins got ripped... no flight?! If I was a bird and I couldn't fly I'd rather just be a furry mammal critter of some sort...guess I already am.

If interested in purchasing 7 Little Blue Penguins click here.

Project V Watercolor 7: 6 Red-billed Seagulls

2011-06-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

6 Red-billed Seagulls

Awesome...Barbie Computer seems to think this image needs to be side-ways as well. Okay princess, you win. As you can imagine by the name, Red-billed seagulls have red bills. They also sport bright red feet and have the most striking white eyes. There is no escape from this gull in downtown Wellington. These dudes are feisty and have kind of a far off stare like they are in deep thought. When hanging out at the bay, I halfway expect the gull next to me to glance over and start up a conversation. Maybe I just need to make more friends.

If interested in purchasing 6 Red-billed Seagull click here.

Project V Watercolor 6: 13 Rock Wrens

2011-06-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

13 Rock Wrens

These little dudes are tiny. They also pretty much have no tail feathers so they look like bright green cotton balls. Their long legs don't really match their small frame and when they stand upright they resemble a pot-bellied old man.

If interested in purchasing 13 Rock Wrens click here.

Project V Watercolor 5: 8 Blackbirds

2011-06-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

8 Blackbirds

For the love of god, there is no reason for this watercolor to be viewed in portrait layout. My jank laptop seems to think it does. It's just one of the 500 daily little things that test my sanity since moving to the other side of the planet. My beloved mac desktop is sitting in my storage unit in the States. I couldn't afford to ship it and was a bit terrified at how healthy it would be upon landing on New Zealand soil. So at home I have what I call the Barbie Computer. Yes, it is pink plaid and would be perfect for a 10 yr. old girl. It's not too far off from my elderly friendly cellphone I purchased on my first day of arrival. Back to birds...

Blackbirds are everywhere in Wellington. The males have jet black feathers and bright orange beaks. It's as if they celebrate Halloween everyday. The females are a duller brown. I seem to always see a female blackbird collecting things to add to her nest.

If interested in purchasing 8 Blackbirds click here.

Project V Watercolor 4: 9 Fantails

2011-06-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

9 Fantails

I. Heart. Fantails. Holy lord, they are amazing. They look like little tini tiny fluff-balls with big fanned-out (duh.) tails. They flitter around in quick, nervous patterns and will follow you along your trail hike eating the little insects you kick up with your boots.

If interested in purchasing 9 Fantails click here.

Project V Watercolor 3: 11 Kiwis

2011-06-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

11 Kiwis

Dude, come on...how could you not love the dang kiwi? A shy, nocturnal, flightless bird covered in what is more fur than feathers?! It's almost too much. Almost. I have yet to see a kiwi in the flesh. I've drawn numerous sketches from specimen skins but look forward to seeing one with a sweet beating heart. It's only a matter of time...

If interested in purchasing 11 Kiwis click here.

Project V Watercolor 2: 11 Tuis

2011-06-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

11 Tuis

11 Tuis progress

Tuis have the most beautiful song. I'm lucky to see at least one or two everyday in my neighborhood. Their black feathers reflect irridescent blues and greens in the sunlight and my favorite part of a Tui...the white feathers on his throat. I pretend it is a little bird beard.

If interested in purchasing 11 Tuis click here.

Project V Watercolor 1: 15 Sparrows

2011-06-07T02:44:00.000-07:00

15 Sparrows

15 Sparrows progress

If you've seen my work in the last 3 months, you'd know of my new obsession with the common sparrow. I moved halfway around the globe and I've painted more sparrows than every bird I've ever painted combined. They are my little comfort blankets.

If interested in purchasing 15 Sparrows click here.

30 Sketches Project V: 30 Flocks of New Zealand Birds

2011-06-06T00:28:00.000-07:00

I'm one day shy of officially completing my first semester of grad school here in Wellington, NZ. A 4 week break between semesters is upon me which means it's time for 30 Sketches Project V: 30 Flocks of New Zealand Birds. Description: 30 210x148mm watercolors depicting flocks of 30 different NZ birds. I may not complete one everyday but the number will reach 30 by the time Semester Dos begins...but there is a twist. My dear friend Jelena recently reintroduced me to a poem I adore, "Bluebird" by Charles Bukowski. This series is a reflection of that poem.

Bluebird
by Charles Bukowski

There's a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I'm too tough for him,
I say, stay in there, I'm not going to let anybody see
you.

There's a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I pour whiskey on him and inhale
cigarette smoke
and the whores and the bartenders
and the grocery clerks
never know that
he's
in there.

There's a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I'm too tough for him,
I say
stay down, do you want to mess
me up?
You want to screw up the
works?
You want to blow my book sales in
Europe?

There's a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I'm too clever, I only let him out
at night sometimes when everybody's alseep.
I say, I know you're in there,
so don't be
sad
then I put him back,
but he's singing a little
in there, I haven't quite let him
die
and we sleep like
that
with our secret pact
and it's nice enough to
make a man weep, but I don't
weep, do
you?

Project IV DAY 30!: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

2010-12-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

DAY 30! This one is for you Rayray. Another round of 30 Sketches Project. Check. As much as I love this project it is always a good feeling to be done. Until next time...

Project IV Day 29: Secretary Bird

2010-12-07T21:11:00.001-08:00

Secretary bird. Angry mark-style I'd say. A bit anxious about the big move. Buying a one way ticket to the other side of the planet brings forth feelings I've never felt before. Going away to paint in Wyoming for a month was an appetizer for this...there is just something about going somewhere you've never been, knowing no one, and having no idea what is in store for you that I adore as much as I fear.

I made these NZ plans with careful consideration. I knew full and well that there would be times that I would question the decision, stress about the journey, and at times wonder what the holy hell I was thinking. I knew that getting accepted was not the most difficult part...making it happen would be the challenge. But I went through with the plans with a smirk, secretly hoping to deal with all of these challenging obstacles. Bring it NZ adventure.

Project IV Day 28: Wee Egg

2010-12-06T19:26:00.001-08:00

A wee little egg for your eyeballs. 2 more days people and 30 Sketches Project Numero Cuatro is out. Whew...I'm beat!

Project IV Day 27: Belted Kingfisher

2010-12-05T16:20:00.001-08:00

Jem, this little Belted Kingfisher is yours. I know you will treat him well. Why do kingfishers have such little feet and such large bills? It's not an opening line to a joke...I really want to know.

Project IV Day 26: This is How I Feel

2010-12-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

This is how I feel.

Project IV Day 25: Hoatzin Nestling

2010-12-03T16:34:00.001-08:00

Yes, this guy does indeed exist. He is a Hoatzin nestling. One thing you should know about these birds is that they are born with two claws on each wing. They are clumsy in flight and use these claws to climb about in their native swamps of Venezuela and Guyana. Once they reach adulthood, they those their claws. Dinosaur times-style.

Project IV Day 24: Roadrunner for Jem!

2010-12-02T17:14:00.001-08:00

Jem, my beautiful friend, your roadunner is ready! It's buddy the kingfisher will join him soon. We shall have lots of these dudes on our farm.

Project IV Day 23: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!

2010-12-01T18:44:00.000-08:00

Bacon

9 weeks until I’m New Zealand bound. Two of my greatest friends that I will miss dearly are my pals Lani and John. I know neither of you like to get all mushy but you both have been nothing but supportive, accepting, and have helped me make this NZ dream come true. I thank you.

John, its your birthday. Lani and I decided that a proper gift to you would be meat… but not just any meat. What you see above is if Lani and I were bacon. As you can see, Lani is the little munchkin-size slice on the left and I’m on the right. We salute you John, thank you for being born.

Day 22: Fail

2010-11-30T18:47:00.001-08:00

FAIL.

Project IV Day 21: Kidnapper Van Graphic

2010-11-29T19:10:00.001-08:00

Every now and again I produce a drawing worthy of being airbrushed on the side of a shady kidnapper van. The above sketch of a Golden Eagle is one of those sketches. Kidnapper van not your style? How bout this image as a black velvet Elvis-style painting? Another option...this eagle painted on the back of an acid-washed denim jacket? The possibilities are endless really.

Project IV Day 20: Osprey with Fish

2010-11-28T13:19:00.001-08:00

I saw my first osprey in the wild while in Wyoming. I've always thought that their high pitched cry doesn't quite match their fierce and beautiful build. Twenty down with ten more sketches to go!

Project IV Day 19: Thank You Chicken

2010-11-27T19:34:00.000-08:00

Today's post is a Thank You Chicken. I have a professor from my undergrad studies that has been wicked helpful with prepping for grad school. Unfortunately, I can't remember this chickie's name but she belonged to said prof and she passed away a few months ago. Sweet slumber chickie.

Her color palette was so lovely that I had to share.

Project IV Day 18: Turkey Vulture (again)

2010-11-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

I can't stop with the Turkey Vultures. I think I might have been one in a past life. Is that why I'm such a dirtbag?

Project IV Day 17: Fairy Tern

2010-11-25T22:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Here is a Fairy Tern for ya.

Project IV Day 16: Peregrine Falcon

2010-11-24T17:29:00.000-08:00

Peregrine Falcons are known for their insane flight speeds which can reach well over 100 mph. When I volunteered at Liberty Wildlife, I got to spend some time with Persephone the Peregrine Falcon. She has this regal air about her and is strikingly beautiful. Upon entering her cage to clean and feed, she commanded cautious easy movements and respect from me which I was more than happy to give. Thanks Persephone.

Project IV Day 15: Laughing Kookaburra

2010-11-23T19:54:00.001-08:00

If I were a bird I might be a Laughing Kookaburra. This sheet of butcher paper came from the same "drop cloth" that the last two daily sketches came from. My favorite part of this particular sheet is a quote covered by the Kookaburra's beak which reads, "No more half-assed". Okay.

Project IV Day 14: Willow Ptarmigan

2010-11-22T18:01:00.001-08:00

I adore Ptarmigans. Why you ask? Three reasons really...1. huge, fluffy rabbit feet, 2. short, stocky bills, and 3. rounded rollie-pollie bodies. The top image is a close-up and the bottom shows the jacked up sheet of butcher paper I used. (You may notice a similar sheet from yesterday's drawing as well).

I cover my drawing table with a 24"x36" sheet of butcher paper to keep the sketch zone semi-clean. When it's properly scribbled on I cut it into 8"x10" sections instead of trashing it. I love to see a finished sketch with all of the marks and random notes in the background.

Project IV Day 13: Turkey Vulture

2010-11-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

Lucky day number 13. You know I had to throw in another turkey vulture. I spent the day with some killer friends at the racetrack. Yeah, Bukowski-style...horse-betting, whiskey and all. This is a good representation of how I feel at the moment. Hungry.

Project IV Day 12: Mounted Deer Head

2010-11-20T19:17:00.000-08:00

Linnea, sketch #2 is complete! Both tom turkey and this dude will be in the mail first thing next week. I mega-enjoyed working on this. It pleased my Texas roots.

Project IV Day 11: Tom Turkey

2010-11-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

Here is your tom turkey Linnea! Deer is soon to follow!

(I will admit that a day passed without a sketch between the bday chicken & tom turkey because of this.)

Project IV Day 10: Birthday Chicken

2010-11-17T17:19:00.000-08:00

November 17th. My birthday. The big 35. I worked all day and now it is time to celebrate. Don't worry 30 Sketches Project, I didn't forget you my friend. This birthday chicken is just for you.

Project IV Day 9: Ruppell's Griffon Vulture

2010-11-16T17:01:00.000-08:00

So I had my first grad school interview today via Skype. Yikes! To release some nervous energy before it began, I worked on this sketch of a Ruppell's griffon vulture. Sense any tension in the background marks? Nah...

Project IV Day 8: Jacana Chick II

2010-11-15T13:13:00.001-08:00

This is the second Jacana chick I've drawn. I did the first one while in WY. I was flipping through a bird book when I came to a screeching halt upon seeing this little guy. I mean, check out those paws! (Don't worry he will grow into them).

Project IV Day 7: Albatross Chick

2010-11-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

(A slightly better pic)

Sorry about the past couple of photos but I wanted to get them posted ASAP. I mean, this gig is about sketching everyday. Photo shoot manana and then shrink wrapping the last week of these babies. They will be for sale in my etsy shop...http://www.rowdystudios.etsy.com/. The holiday season is upon us and your friends and family told me they want my sketches for gifts.

Project IV Day 6: Weka

2010-11-13T14:09:00.000-08:00

The Weka is a flightless bird native to New Zealand. They are about the size of your average chicken. There is something that I find so fascinating about flightless birds. It's like a fish that can't swim...kinda. You catch my drift.

It's only Day 6 and I'm already having to find ways to squeeze this sketch project into the short amount of hours that make up a day. Solution...start sketching on my lunch break and then wrap it up this evening.

Project IV Day 5: Little Auk

2010-11-12T19:50:00.001-08:00

Little Auks are indeed little. They are round with sweet short bills. One day I shall hold one in the palm of my hand...

Project IV Day 4: Turkey Vulture Chick

2010-11-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

So yesterday's post influenced today's. Above your eyes spy a turkey vulture chick. Maybe you are not a fan of grownup turkey vultures, so a t.vulture baby might be more your speed. He is totally a fuzz ball and I love him. I want to love him and hug him and squeeze him....

Project IV Day 3: Turkey Vulture

2010-11-10T21:14:00.001-08:00

I adore vultures. They are amazing and beautiful. Any being that uses barfing as a defense mechanism is okay in my book. Above is a commissioned piece for a kind soul at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in PA. So nice to work with people that appreciate the greatness of these creatures. I high five you turkey vultures.

Project IV Day 2: White-throated Spadebill

2010-11-09T11:12:00.001-08:00

This is a White-throated spadebill. He is from Brazil and belongs to the Tyrant Flycatcher fam. (I also think that "Tyrant Flycatcher" would make for a pretty killer band name). The weather here in AZ is so amazingly wonderful that I drug several of my bird books to the back porch and soaked up some sun rays.

When searching for my "bird of the day" to sketch, I never look for a particular species. It mostly has to do with their shape. I also usually pick fairly neutral-colored birds. I don't like working with bright colors in pastel which is a bit odd considering that my oil paintings are always vibrant.

30 SKETCHES PROJECT IV IS IN THE HOUSE!

2010-11-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

My friends it’s on. A year has passed since 30 Sketches Project III came to an end, it’s been long overdue to continue with the sketching extravaganza. 2010 has been insanity. Time to get some normality…sketch-style.

You know the rules: a sketch everyday for 30 days. I sketch my heart out and post. Simple.

First sketch of the season – a dove in flight. Let’s do this!

Day 30: Brewer's Blackbird, 10x8"

2009-11-22T13:47:00.001-08:00

No fireworks, no big to do for Day 30, just a simple and quiet Brewer's Blackbird. Another 30 Sketches Project down! Time to take a break with a celebratory cerveza. Cheers until next time!

Day 29: American Coot, 14x11"

2009-11-22T13:44:00.001-08:00

This is an American Coot. He was wondering around the pond at the Phoenix Zoo and I snapped his pic knowing good and well that I would sketch him one day. And today was that day. His feet are wicked fab.

Day 28: Fallen Baby Bird, 14x11"

2009-11-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

This is my homage to all of the baby birds that have fallen far from their nests. Even though your lives were short, you made my heart happy and I think of you often.

I came across this photo in a most random way. The photographer said he found this little guy in the middle of the sidewalk. After taking his picture he scooped him up and set him near a tree. Near a tree, huh? I sure hope the tree trunk elevator is in working order today cause that is the only way this dude is getting to the top.

I am not here to judge but the words under this original photo were empty. I can't help but think of what happened to this little guy. Was he scared as he craned his neck to watch the people as they passed by?

Day 27: Ceramic Bird, 8x10"

2009-11-20T19:17:00.001-08:00

Day 27-so close to the finale!! This is a drawing of a little ceramic bird I got in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is very wee and when I saw it I knew it would have to live in my studio. I haven't named her so any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Except for the last 4 days, all of the sketches from this project are shrink wrapped and ready for the art fair, Indie Chic at 10th Street which is right around the corner - Dec. 5th! That was the incentive for this round of 30 Sketches Project and I am very much looking forward to it. Would love to see you there. Nothing better than buying local!!

Day 26: Moorhen, 14x11"

2009-11-19T11:12:00.000-08:00

This is another critter I snapped a photo of at my most recent Phoenix Zoo adventure. It is a Moorhen and it's feet are extraordinary!! A gang of ducks approached us by the pond and I was surprised and delighted that this little guy was in the mix.

Day 25: Duck, 10x8"

2009-11-17T18:41:00.001-08:00

I went to the zoo on my birthday and took a pic of this little dude knowing that I would have to sketch him.

Day 24: Willow Grouse, 12x9"

2009-11-15T17:55:00.001-08:00

Willow Grouse in the house!

Day 23: Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, 9x12"

2009-11-14T20:03:00.001-08:00

Day 23, one week to go! Butcherpaper, I adore you in all of your coffee-colored goodness. You always seem to come in massive amounts and in large sizes. You are willing to be cut down into the smallest of pieces to accommodate little guys like this Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse and I thank you for that.

As soon as I hit publish on this post I am off to shrink wrap the sketches I have done for this project so far. Not to steal butcherpaper's thunder but...shrink wrap machine, I love you.

Day 22: Shaft-tailed Whydah, 20x16"

2009-11-13T19:55:00.001-08:00

The bottom photo is my first attempt at Day 22. It was a flock of cranes gone horribly wrong. My second try was a bit more successful. I look forward to learning more about the Shaft-tailed Whydah.

Day 21: Albatross, 14x11"

2009-11-12T18:58:00.001-08:00

Here is a crappy drawing of an Albatross. I made the image wee in hopes that you have poor eye sight and can't see it.

Day 20: Blue Jay Chicks, 11x14"

2009-11-11T19:03:00.001-08:00

What is better than one angry chick? Four angry chicks. I believe these baby blue jay are waiting for dinner. Mom better hurry before these kids start to riot.

Day 19: Angry Baby, 10x8"

2009-11-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

Why so angry baby chick?

Day 18: American Crow, 11x14"

2009-11-09T19:24:00.000-08:00

Crows and Ravens are one of my favorite birds. They are so intelligent and mischievous. This is a pastel and charcoal sketch of an American Crow. Watch your back around these guys!

Day 17: White Feather, 9x12"

2009-11-08T16:51:00.001-08:00

I guess the color white is a little running theme I've got going. My mom sent this feather to me. I am going to say that it is from the wing of a pegasus.

Day 16: White-tailed Ptarmigans, 11x14"

2009-11-07T20:43:00.000-08:00

The weather here in Arizona doesn't feel anything like winter so I thought these White-tailed Ptarmigans might do the job. If it weren't for their black eyes and beak, their plump round bodies would get completely lost in the snow. Oh Mother Nature, you're such a smarty pants.

Day 15: Pekin Robin, 11x14"

2009-11-06T12:29:00.001-08:00

Trying to find balance in life is an ongoing challenge. Art, home, work... This isn't one of my strongest drawings but life happened and focus and time was limited. I thought it was important to stay on track and continue with a daily drawing.

This is one of my favorite birds, the Pekin Robin. I think I've done more drawings of this bird than any other.

Day 14: Moustached Antpitta, 14x11"

2009-11-05T20:18:00.001-08:00

For those of you who know me best, know how I feel about mustaches. For those who don't know me...I ADORE MUSTACHES!!! So how could I pass up doing a sketch of a Moustached Antpitta? This little dude lacks tail feathers but makes up for it in stache stylin'. Stachtastic!

Day 13: Mourning Dove, 9x12"

2009-11-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

Mourning Doves are usually the first bit of movement I see out of my living room window each morning. They sit along the back wall in pairs most of the time. I am not a morning person but these little guys make getting up bearable.

Day 12: Corn Bunting, 9x12"

2009-11-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

I had a cool thing happen this week (and its only Tuesday). I received an email from a conversationalist that had just moved to a small Scottish island to work in an attempt to stop the Corn Bunting from disappearing from UK shores.

He wrote that his flat is in need of some artwork and what better subject than the Corn Bunting of course! He stumbled upon my shop while perusing the vastness that is etsy.com and asked if I would be interested in making a Corn Bunting sketch. Uhhhh...yeah I would be interested. Me making art for someone helping to save the life of a critter? Sign me up!

Above is the finished product. It was intimidating doing a sketch of a bird that I am unfamiliar with for someone that knows every detail of the species. I hope he enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it.

Day 11: Baby Chick, 10x8"

2009-11-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

To be honest, I don't know what this little guy is. I've always been fascinated by the expression of baby chicks. Why is their little beak always pulled to a frown?

Day 10: Red-legged Seriema, 24x17"

2009-11-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

The Red-legged Seriema...another bird that I never knew existed. Those long legs get a work out as these guys prefer to run from predators than fly. They top out at speeds up to 15 mph. Now that would be a sight to see!

Day 9: Barn Swallow, 11x14"

2009-10-31T09:33:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I find a photo of a bird and have an instant need to sketch it. This Barn Swallow was one of those pics. The expression and pose are extremely important as well as color but there is something that I cannot put my finger on that sparks inspiration. (I feel it necessary to post a notice regarding the photos of my sketches, so here it is: My complete lack of photography skills mixed with an effort to post a pic everyday, leads to some janky pics. And for that I apologize).

Day 8: Mallee Emu Wren, 12x9"

2009-10-30T21:08:00.001-07:00

This little guy is new to me. I stumbled across this image and nearly fell out of my chair! The Mallee Emu Wren is wee in size but has a monstrous impact on my heart.

Day 7: Roseate Spoonbill, 12x9"

2009-10-29T22:48:00.001-07:00

Roseate Spoonbill, you are one interesting looking dude. Their deep pink coloring is similar to a flamingo. They use their unusual beak to feed on crustaceans by swinging it from side to side as it steadily walks through the water.

Day 6: Turkey, 10x8"

2009-10-28T23:03:00.001-07:00

Gobble, gobble.

Day 5: Blackboard Bird, 8x10"

2009-10-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

When I sat down to today's sketch, I knew I wanted to try something different. So I decided to work in black and white in hopes that I would focus more on my mark-making than color decisions.

Over and over again, blending, taking away, adding... until it got to a point that it was about to be filed in the trashcan. Once you get that far, you can't screw it up any further. I began letting the marks be the values. If you zoom in, the end result looks like the bird is covered with a blackboard. That's something different alright.

Day 4: Stone Curlew, 24x17"

2009-10-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

This little guy is a Stone Curlew. Don't worry his wing is not injured but that is exactly what he wants you to think. In all of their brilliance, ground-nesting birds have employed a form of defense against predators hungry for their nestlings. The bird calls out in alarm, pretending to be at death's door. Of course the predator believes this to be an easy meal and follows the bird away from the nest. When the predator is far enough away from the nest the bird miraculously recovers and flys to join its now safe chicks. Bravo and encore!

Day 3: Broad-winged Hawk Nest, 18x22"

2009-10-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

This is something new for me, I've drawn chicks but no pre-chicks. This is a Broad-winged Hawk nest. Recently I acquired a most fantastic book entitled, Birds of the World: Birds of Prey, which is full to the brim with wonderful photos. I wish these eggs a long and prosperous life.

Day 2: Young Sparrow, 14x11"

2009-10-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

I believe one defense mechanism of baby birds is their menacing stare. And this young sparrow is no exception. Why do they wear a frown when all they do is make me smile?

Third Times A Charm: 30 Sketches Project III

2009-10-23T20:48:00.001-07:00

There is nothing like a deadline to get you motivated. This deadline is in the form of an art fair called Indie Chic @ 10th Street. The event will be held in front of the ASU Art Museum on Dec. 5th. Click here for more info.

Time to build up my inventory! And what better way than to commit to another round of the 30 Sketches Project. 30 Sketches Project III will consist of pastel and charcoal bird (I am so predictable) studies on butcher paper. I'll have 4 sizes (L)36x24", (M)24x17", (S)17x12", and (Wee)9x12".

Sketch #1 is a Pearl-spotted Owlet (24x17"). It, along with all of the sketches from this project, will be for sale at the Indie Chic fair. I've got some serious sketching to do!

30 Sketches II Day 30!

2009-06-30T21:51:00.001-07:00

Day 30 - yahoo!! Don't get me wrong, I love the 30 Sketches Project but I miss painting! You might have guessed as much with me sneaking in paint into my sketches. This is a Graylag Goose in flight. I glued watercolor paper (scraps I might add) to a piece of wood measuring 9"x24". I used watercolor, graphite, charcoal, pastel, and gesso. I plan to cover it in a delicious layer of resin. I've covered a charcoal/oil drainting..? with my favorite resin, envirotex lite and it held up. Curious to see how the watercolor paper will hold up with the resin coating. My bet is that it will warp. Experiments, experiments.

Day 29

2009-06-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here is another mixed media piece, or as I like to refer to these half paintings/half drawings...draintings. This is a Laughing Kookaburra. The image came from a most amazing place.

Today I went to Bookman's, my favorite used bookstore, to hunt for a few bird books. I stumbled upon a program booklet for the Jurong Birdpark in Singapore. From the pictures in the program, it seems to be a wonderland of bird goodness. I went to their website and there is a dang Pangolin on their homepage! (refer to Day 23 posting for relevance). I must go there immediately!

Day 28

2009-06-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

I know...I know, I said I was going to finish up this sketch project with the "Many vs. Few" series but I'll tell ya, today I wasn't feeling inspired in that way. I really had a want to do a mixed media piece. So I pulled out the gouache, watercolor pencils, pastels, and charcoal and went to work.

Endangered this baby blue jay is not, but the ominous caption read, "This baby blue jay may not live to see a second summer." Geez, I hope this little guy didn't hear that.

Day 27

2009-06-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a sketch that can also serve as an oxymoron. I give you...a baby giant anteater. This little guy will soon live up to its name. Adult giant anteaters can reach between 5 and 7 feet in length and weigh from 40-100 pounds.

Due to habitat loss the giant anteater faces a difficult future. Conservation efforts such as the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve in Nicaragua are vital in order to save these amazing creatures from extinction.

For the past four years the Saint Louis Zoo has been working with the Reserve. The Zoo has really great information on the giant anteater as well as some amazingly adorable footage of a baby and mother. Click here to see my inspiration for this sketch!

Day 26

2009-06-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

Day 26...4 more days! I am not sure if this Ring-tailed Lemur is aware that there is indeed a baby chick on his back. The last few sketches will follow the endangered species/baby chick format. I've been referring to them as the "Many vs. Few" series.

When I finish this installment of the 30 Sketches Project, I shall drag out the others in this series and put on the finishing details. I have a series of endangered bird paintings in progress which I plan to exhibit and give a portion of the proceeds to an avian conservation organization. But why not do the same with this series of sketches. Possibly thinking of having prints available for these. hmmmm....

Day 25

2009-06-25T23:53:00.000-07:00

So, since I haven't finished my ring-tailed lemur sketch I felt it necessary to finish a sketch today. This is another baby pygmy hippo. I used everything I could get my hands on in the studio: pastel, charcoal, gouache, pencil...

I've never experienced wanting to spend multiple sittings on a sketch. This is the one that has changed that (along with the other endangered/baby chick sketches). I am truly enjoying

working on this one.

Day 24

2009-06-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

Excuses, excuses... I started this sketch this morning with plans of finishing it after work. I worked late, had to go to the store, yadda yadda blah blah....I didn't finish. But will tomorrow! This is a Ringed-tailed Lemus and baby chick.

Day 23

2009-06-23T20:42:00.001-07:00

I present to you...the Pangolin (and baby chick of course). I know, this critter is amazing. To see it with your own eyes click here.

Day 22

2009-06-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

This is Monifa having breakfast. She is a Pygmy Hippo calf that was born at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney last year. It had been 23 years since a Pygmy Hippo had been born at the zoo.

Her trusty chick is making sure she polishes off her bowl so she can be big and strong. Click here to see a video of Monifa when she was 3 weeks old.

Day 21

2009-06-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the endangered Three-toed Sloth moves so slowly that algae actually grows on its coarse fur? Sloths are extremely awkward when on land but are graceful swimmers. They sleep from 15-20 hours a day! Did you also know that I am newly obsessed with them? That is probably pretty obvious. This sketch is keeping with the endangered species/baby chick theme. I am not quite sure if these are preliminary drawings for a series of paintings or if they can or will stand on their own.

Day 20

2009-06-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

The emerging baby crocodile may look menacing but don't underestimate this little chick, he can hold his own. Again this sketch, like yesterdays, is about placing the ever abundant common chick with an endangered species such as this American Crocodile.

Today I came across the most amazing website ever!! ARKive has not only amazing photos and video of all of your favorite critters but really great information. I came across animals I never knew existed. I also officially fell in love with the three-toed sloth.

Day 19

2009-06-19T21:47:00.001-07:00

I have a series in the works in which I depict endangered birds. Okay, how can I make it a bit more interesting and a little different from my usual avian works? hmmmm...

The endangered Bactrian Camel is the only true wild camel that still exists. These herds survive in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia and China but their total population is less than 1000.

Researching the Bactrian, I came across the image I used for the camel in this sketch. Even though the caption labeled him as a Bactrian Camel, I am not so sure. Bactrians have a thick shaggy coat. So I am using artistic license and saying this is indeed a Bactrian (with a haircut).

Atop his head, so delicately perched, is a common ole' baby chick. Baby chicks are treated as ornaments during the Easter holiday. There is no shortage of these little guys. I bet I could walk into 7-11 and pick up a dozen.

I like the juxtaposition of placing something so abundant with something that is in jeopardy of losing its very existence.

I would like to do a few more sketches like this one by keeping the chick as the constant and switching out the endangered species. We'll see how it goes.

Day 18

2009-06-18T21:50:00.001-07:00

I've been trying very hard recently to balance my life: work, art, home. I want to make sure nobody or nothing is neglected but at the same time give 100% to all three. Art always seems to win out. I am sure it comes across as selfish and I've come to the conclusion that I must be pretty difficult to live with. I decided to put the hostile energy I was feeling at the time into this sketch of an American Crow. I really enjoyed working on it. I would like to look at these "butcher paper studies" in a more thoughtful light rather than only seeing them as practice.

Day 17

2009-06-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Black-winged Stilts have wicked long, spindly legs and for that I love them.

Day 16

2009-06-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

This is a female Gambel's Quail. I remember as a little girl in Texas watching families of quail carefully crossing the dirt path on one of my "nature" walks. The parents always had a sense of urgency to get the chicks across safely. I respected them for that.

Day 15

2009-06-15T17:02:00.001-07:00

Well, I am halfway through with the 30 Sketches Project II. I am really enjoying it and I can picture this project popping up throughout my life.

I am so amazed everyday when I flip through my bird books in search of a subject for my daily sketch. There is a crazy amount of birds in this world. I couldn't possibly draw all of them if I tried!

This is a Buff-breasted Flycatcher, yet another species that I never knew existed. Its habitat is the open mountain woodlands of S.E. Arizona.

Day 14

2009-06-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

A mere 50 Attwater's Prairie Chickens live in the wild. They are native to the coastal prairie land of Texas and Southwestern Louisiana. Development has eradicated their fragile habitat.

Through efforts of places like Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas these interesting birds are returning to the wild. This Saturday Fossil Rim is celebrating its 25th anniversary by hosting an outdoor concert and benefit called Bandanas, Boots, & Bison. I am donating this sketch to the auction that will be held that afternoon.