Japanese Paradise Flycatcher

oil on panel, 6" x 6"

Such a big name for such a little bird!  An exotic, beautiful bird with irridescent flashes of ultramarine blue, purple, plum, crimson, and magenta.

Blue-eared Starling Study

 

oil on canvas paper, 9" x 12"

Another bird portrait here.

Seagull Study

oil on canvas paper, 9" x 12"

Another in my series of bird portraits.

Satin Bowerbird Study

 

oil on canvas paper, 9" x 12"

Here's another bird portrait to add to the mix, mostly done with a palette knife like the last one.  I'm trying not to take more than a couple hours to do these studies.  The goal is to keep it simple and not labor over them or get fussy.

Orange Fruit Dove Study

oil on canvas paper, 9" x 12"

I'm racking up the bird portraits with another one here.

Bathing Beauty with Fairy Wren

oil on canvas, 24" x 24"

This is another addition to my "bird girl" series of paintings.  It was a fun one to do.   Updated 5/30/24.  I yellowed up the foreground on this painting and added a bit of shadow.  I wanted the color scheme to be more distinct primaries.  I think doing this has brought out the reds more, and I wanted that red bow to be more noticeable.  I'm happy with it overall, especially with her face.

Barn Owl Study

oil on canvas paper, 9" x 12"

This is another in a bird portrait series I'm accruing.  All are studies, all are done on canvas paper, and all are fairly quick studies, given no more than 2-3 hours to do.  This one was done in 1.5 hours.

La Demoiselle

 

oil on canvas paper, 12" x 9"

The second in a series of bird portraits, this one of a demoiselle crane.

Scarlet Macaw Study

 

oil on canvas paper, 12" x 9"

Didn't want to take too much time on this portrait study of a scarlet macaw, as I am not very much into realism as a painter; I find it quite tedious and boring to do, and so I stopped once I felt I'd gotten the "gist" of this bird.

A Brief Interlude

 

oil on panel, 12" x 12"

Another bird study, this one of a white-bellied sea eagle.  I was drawn to the intensity of the stare.

Warbler in a Window

oil on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

This painting started life as an abstract exploration of yellow, black and grey, inspired by the colors of a MiniCooper I had seen on the road that was mostly grey with black accents, a yellow grill and yellow ears.  I like this particular color combo with the various mixes it produces, especially the green/greys.  The yellow warbler just seemed like a natural fit.

White-necked Heron

oil on canvas, 12" x 6"

Another bird painting, a favorite subject of mine.

White Ibis

oil on panel, 16" x 16"

The white ibis is said to be a symbol of optimism and good luck, which I could use a bit of right now.  With this painting, here's hoping the new year uplifts the spirit and brings good luck to all.

Capped Heron in Flight

oil on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

The capped heron is, to me, one of the most beautiful birds in the world.  The colors, I mean, c'mon, that turquoise beak against the warm yellow of the breast is inspired!  

Melodious

 

oil on panel, 10" x 10"

It's back to the birds with this painting of an Australian magpie, an accomplished songbird, apparently, with quite an array of vocalizations.  Having never heard its song, at least I tried to make the painting sing.

Purple Honeycreepers

oil on panel, 10" x 10"

My fascination with tropical birds continues unabated.  The purple honeycreeper is native to northern South America, mostly in the Amazon Basin.  Honestly, how does Mother Nature come up with these gorgeous designs and their astounding colors?

Indian Ringneck Parrot

 

oil on panel, 12" x 6"

The rose-winged parakeet (commonly known as the Indian Ringneck Parrot) is one that I've wanted to p for a long time, and just now getting around to it with this experimental piece.  These parakeets come in a variety of gorgeous colors, from a pale teal like this one, to violet, bright green, and yellow.  They are able to adapt to many climates and habitats in the wild, as well as in captivity as pets.  I find these birds to be extraordinarily beautiful.

Madam Secretary

 

oil on panel, 12" x 16"

Here's another subject I've been wanting to paint for quite some time.  The secretarybird is an endangered, largely terrestrial bird of prey endemic to Africa.  It can reach up to over 4 feet in height, and there's something almost human-like in its regal, statuesque bearing.  What an extraordinary being!

Light on Light

 

acrylic on panel, 12" x 12"

This simple study of a snowy egret on sand was trickier than I expected it to be.  The subtle color gradations were problematic because of the drying properties of acrylic paint, in which some colors darken slightly as they dry.  Still, I'm happy with the overall effect.