Marsh Wren 4" x 4" acrylic $225

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On my way back from the show in Southern California last month, I had the opportunity to stop by Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge as I do almost everytime I drive down the I-5 corridor. During the different times of year there are different species of birds present and this time, in late March, the marsh wrens were singing and nest building. The singing has two purposes that can distinguished by the sound of the song. The first is to guard it's territory and the second is to attract a mate. This wren was guarding it's territory. Because they are small they can be hard to find among the reeds, but it's song allowed me to find it and study it.
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Songbird Series 4 - 8" x 8" acrylic on canvas $1600

Instead of posting the two remaining paintings in the series individually, I decided to show all four together. The challenge in creating these paintings has been knowing when to stop because normally my paintings are highly detailed and realistic. My goal for these was to keep them somewhat loose in order to stylize the series. Although these were fun and it is refreshing to try something new, I am looking forward to getting back to the easel to create realistic paintings once again!
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Chickadee 8" x 8" acrylic on canvas $450

The next painting in the contemporary songbird series is a chickadee...
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American Goldfinch 8" x 8" acrylic on canvas $450

This is the most recent painting in my contemporary series which features a looser painting style and the painted script of the species common name. This particular paintings is the first of four songbirds and features and handsome male American goldfinch sitting on an apple branch. The apple trees around the Willamette Valley have been in full bloom lately and I think all four paintings may feature these beautiful flowers.
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Pheasants Forever 6" x 8" (appx) acrylic on artist's conk

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This painting has been created on an artist's conk, which is a species of shelf mushroom that grow out of the sides of trees. The mushrooms are edible when still soft and the ancient Chinese thought their properties helped with sexual prowess and wisdom. They were nicknamed artist's conk because over time they harden and form a smooth surface on which artists can draw, burn, or in this case, paint an image. This painting was created for a Pheasants Forever fundraising auction and banquet and sold for $750. All monies from the sale of the artwork will benefit upland game bird habitat locally here in the Willamette Valley.

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Golden Waters 5" x 7" acrylic $265

A pair of male Barrow's Goldeneyes enjoy a warmly lit swim. These ducks are diving ducks and are common along central and eastern Oregon rivers during the winter months. This particular pair was seen at Smith Rocks State Park, a famous rock climbing destination. The Crooked River cuts through the park creating a beautiful habitat and the color in the water is actually the reflection of the cliffs above.
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Art Competition

My apologies for the lack of posts recently, but I have been out of town quite a bit the month. Paintings will be appearing again this week.

But for today I am posting about an art competition to join the Daily Painters website. More about the competition is posted at this link - click here. So, if you are an artist and interested in being a part of one of the most artistically vibrant communities on the world wide web get your entry ready and good luck! Entry deadline is May 12th...
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Elk 12" x 12" acrylic $950

Another in the series of square contemporary acrylic paintings... This one features a bull elk in an active position. The two symbols on the left margin are Native American. The top one means 'good prospect' and the bottom one is the symbol for happiness.
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Nesting Costa's 5"x5" acrylic

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An nesting female Costa's Hummingbird incubates her eggs. Her tiny nest, the size of a teacup, is camouflaged among the branches. The Costa's is common in the desert southwest which is where I saw this female. The background colors echo the colors of the desert landscape.
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