Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Green

Refuge, St Paddy's Day
12 x 18, Strathmore watercolor paper


This morning the sun cast its milky light as the clouds from yesterday burned off in their slow way. It is always a special day for me when I get to be in the Refuge.

Great Horned Owl
Another birder helped me see this hidden Great Horned Owl, sleeping in the tree near his nest. He was very big, at least 20" tall and built like a barrel.


These immature Bald Eagles looked down from their high perch at the activity in the Refuge. No tawny heads, so I knew that they were not American Eagles, but Bald Eagles under 5 years old.

Things are turning green in the Refuge, and as I thought of St Patrick's Day today, I remembered my Irish friends and family. Thinking especially of my paternal grandmother, a Walsh from Ireland, and her playful attitude and impish grin. At 82 years, she was out on the lawn, taking Frisbee throwing lessons from my little sons, who were 7 and 5 at the time.

Even a bit of Irish blood is good, don't you think?


4 comments:

Kaylyn Munro said...

I'm liking your landscapes more and more. You're handling a potential difficult situation where there is little topography in the major foreground and yet your are getting its 'flatness' and intrigue. It can be hard to get that receding plane to lay down and be interesting without a lot of hills and trees and stuff to help!

Thanks for stopping by my site and becoming a follower. I am flattered and honored.

Celeste Bergin said...

I am 99.9% Irish--and my Mom was like your grandmother--always "game".

your painting is sensitive--and atmospheric. Those are awesome wildlife photos!

Ralph said...

Yes a little Celtic blood in the veins gives a bit of passion I thnk. I like this nice calming painting. Makes me want to just sit and be calm

Jan Yates, SCA said...

glad I found you--your work is lush has a depth to it that I really find intriguing--also enjoyed READING your blog a--how exciting to see an owl!