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.

Birds Galore!

I had this wallpaper swatch printed from Spoonflower using my own painting of red finch, a bird commonly found in India. 

I had no need for a wallpaper but I used it to cover the switch plates in the kitchen. My kitchen walls are off-white. So, these red birds offer a touch of whimsy that is pleasing.

Speaking of birds. With the advent of early spring, my backyard has been abuzz with activity, which I was able to capture rather happily with the new 300mm lens for my Nikon D7000. Take a look.

It started with this white breasted nuthatch scampering on this tree trunk. It snowed on that day.

This robin looked rather colorful against the snow.

It started with these two Canadian geese floating by serenely one mid-afternoon on the Hackensack river.

Then it turned into this catfight!

Some ferocious action in my backyard too. This pileated woodpecker looked like he was going to chop my tree down. I have to throw stones at him to drive him away.

Big birds are magnificent but it is the small birds that make me happy to see them. 

Here is dark-eyed junco. The light was good enough to capture its bright black eyes.

And its cousin, the common sparrow.

Female and male cardinals.

Finally, this tufted titmouse on a bare pear branch.

Linked to Paint Party Friday. Many thanks to Eva and Kristin for hosting.

Thanks for visiting. Happy Spring!