flamenco

22 x 30, pastel on prepared paper

I saw flamingos in California, Florida, at various zoos, and in the plastic variety all over the country. My sketchbooks are filled with drawings of their graceful necks, dark bills, and intriguing postures. This is the first time I have painted a flamingo, but not the last.

I started with a charcoal and acrylic sketch on a full sheet of Rives BFK. Over that I brushed Golden's Acrylic Pastel Ground, which left me with a richly textured underpainting ready for pastel. Wish you could see it full-sized and experience the all-knowing eye give you the once over.

My musical association with the flamingo is obvious, but no less exciting. Flamenco guitar!

Juicy treat

9 x 13

charcoal, gouache, pastel on paper

Mussels appeared with the extra low spring tide, a juicy treat for observant birds.

Bird brained thoughts

American Black Oystercatcher

Bald Eagle

Caspian Terns, Cormorants, Gulls

Great Blue Heron

Some birds are loners. Some birds play well with others. Some birds just like hanging in a group of like-minded.

Birds are SOOOOO like people. Don't you think?

These photos were all take along the Swinomish Channel near La Conner, WA.