Thursday, August 4, 2016

Summer in August


Do-Something-Everyday, August 4, 2016

As I had mentioned elsewhere on this blog, nature is an endless source of inspiration. The other day I saw a Spicebush Swallowtail flitting from one flower to another, stopping by one for a few seconds and whizzing off to the next. This swallowtail is native to New Jersey and they love coneflowers (Echinacea Purpurea) which grow in abundance in my garden. I did this painting completely in watercolor.

A few days ago while cleaning out my attic I came upon these Walter Foster instructional painting books. As a self-taught artist I relied on these books to teach me how to paint way back when You-Tube did not exist. I had not used them in a long while but as I was flipping through those books I was surprised by the thrill of recapturing and refreshing long-forgotten lessons and to find how useful they still are. I decided to keep them.



This afternoon I saw a white-breasted nuthatch scurrying down the maple tree. I have not seen one since March and I wondered what brought it back to my yard. I did not take any pictures as it moved very fast but here are a couple I took in March on the day when weather gods surprised us with snow.



Linked to Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Journey and Moo Mania.

Thanks for stopping by.

15 comments:

  1. Beautiful art, and love the photos. Thanks for joining us at AJJ. Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie

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  2. Fabulous post - your artwork, flowers and butterfly are beautiful.
    Love your photos of the Nuthatch, we have them in the UK but I've never seen one as yet.
    Happy Friday to you.... Gill x

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  3. What a beautiful watercolour you have painted, I love your inspiration and can imagine your butterfly flitting from flower to flower :-). You are a very accomplished painter and how lovely to come across your old books! The nuthatch looks as though it's looking straight at you and saying hello - adorable! Happy Friday! J :-)

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  4. This is fabulous, especially after those wintery photos of the nuthatch. Too bad winter will be back too soon in my book. But your bouquet is quite pretty. Nothing says happiness like flowers. Hugs-Erika

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  5. What a pretty art journal page.

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  6. Lovely flower painting. Thanks for sharing great photos.
    Happy PPF ❤

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  7. What a beautiful painting and what a lovely bird! Thank you very much for joining Art Journal Journey again Indira!
    oxo Susi

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  8. what a pretty flower painting and how nice to have stumbled upon those books again to further inspire! Love watching those sweet nuthatches:) happy PPF!

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  9. Such a lovely post. Wonderful art and the photos are fabulous. I hope you stop by my blog and cast a vote. Thank you.

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  10. I am sure I was here already ---
    o.k. no comment - once again

    wonderful art Indira
    I love the painting and the birdie is beautiful!
    Thank you for joining Moo Mania & More and Art Journal Joureny!
    Happy PPF!

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  11. Gorgeous painting...and love the photos of the nuthatch..really nice post...I have few really old art books that I have kept too. Hard to part with!

    Hugs Giggles

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  12. lovely watercolour and nice photos of the nuthatch :) Never seen one in person

    Happy PFF :)
    Jen #23

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  13. Sweet bird and your butterfly is really beautiful on those pretty pink flowers!
    Greetings from AJJ

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  14. What a contrast from your gorgeous summery painting to the snowy scene. Fantastic photos of the nuthatch. Congratulations on being featured for PPF
    Enjoy your weekend and Happy PPF to you

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  15. Love your painting! I too, have some photo ref books and use them!

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