Thursday, January 9, 2014

ROSY



A rosy-breasted grosbeak.  Sturdy body and tough, short beak plus that beautiful bright red chest decoration make this one of my favorites when I see it at the feeder in spring.


Again, painting from the background forward.





This one is on Arches 140# hot press paper, 11" x 15" (fourth sheet).


It seems I have a tendency to draw or paint their beaks a bit long.  And his head seems a bit large.  Oh, well, I do not intend to spend hours on any of these - the idea is to get better, faster, looser, and still do a good job without putting in every single brush stroke!!!  

Will continue to paint pretty birds throughout the month, if my intention holds...



7 comments:

Debbie Nolan said...

Rhonda - what a lovely bird...I have never seen one of these at my feeders. Maybe they stay further south. Looks like you are having a great start to the new year.

Katherine Harra said...

Rhonda, I am inspired by your effort with birds. With a similar aim, I've decided to emulate you and draw cat faces daily. I can get them right when overworked, but would like to do it quickly and gracefully: like some of the artists whose blogs you and others follow! Birds are an even more challenging subject. These are looking great.

Autumn Leaves said...

I think the birds are all lovely, Rhonda!

Teresa Palomar Lois said...

I can't talk about the peak or head because Ihonestly don't even know that bird, but I love your approach, better-faster-looser, and most of all I love how you keep integrating that graphic look. More please!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Debbie. It's a rare bird at our feeders, too, but often comes through in the spring.

Katherine, thanks so much - looking forward to your cat faces (those, too, can be difficult!)

Thanks, Sherry and Teresa :) Teresa, I bet you have many birds in Spain we do not have here!!

Anonymous said...

Well done, Rhonda.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Carol. I'm still pondering your last post - no pants on the subway day? What the???