Write something
Pinned
Mar 31 •
How my birding and art evolved together
I began painting birds as a twelve-year-old. My initial paintings were copies of photos or attempts at capturing something I'd seen in the field, such as this first rather squat depiction (1) of an owl I'd seen in the Elburn Forest Preserve where they nested. Aching to refine my understanding of birds and art, at the age of about 16 I encountered the work of Louis Agassiz Fuertes, whose paint of a great horned owl mesmerized me in its economy with watercolor and its anatomical grasp of the bird. (2) In high school, I copied that painting by flipping it in reverse. (3) and put a blue jay under its talons. During my first year at Luther College, I had access to bird skins, and there were ruffed grouse in Decorah, Ia, so I did both a pen-and-ink drawing (4) and a watercolor in the same pose shown, and the watercolor was sold. That painting found its way out to California. Three years ago a woman snatched it up where she found it in an alleyway after the couple who bought it from me at Luther got divorced. She said that she had to fight people off to get the painting. Then, she looked me up on the Internet, and called to ask if I wanted it back. I told her, "No, you've earned it. Please enjoy it." A few years ago, I painted an acrylic of a great horned owl in the bluff country of Decorah. That painting (5) hangs in a friend's home along with several other works they collected from me over the years. It show a far more natural pose than my earlier efforts, as it's based off my own photography. But notice that it still echoes the Fuertes' economy I've always appreciated. The last image (6) represents my full growth as an wildlife artist combining years of experience with a touch of respect for another artist I admire, Robert Bateman. I made a point of depicting the patterns found in the owl's face and body with those found on the aging bur oak on which I saw it perched. You can see a hint of the moss growing on the north side of the tree, and the bird "in place" is what I most value about painting birds these days. This series illustrates one person's journey from novice birder to one who tries to appreciate and present nature in its beautiful complexity and relationships. How do you think I've done?
0
0
5d •
Bluebirds are something else
There's a fact about blue birds (of any kind) that may surprise you. They're not really blue. Not like you might think, anyway. Their feathers capture all light spectrum, releasing only blue, so it's rather an illusion. But let's talk about bluebirds, the species. Specifically, Eastern bluebirds. There are Western bluebirds in North America, and Mountain bluebirds where you might expect to find them, high in alpine conditions in Colorado and other states. Those are both beautiful species too. Eastern bluebirds are the kind of unreal blue I really love. It's always been my favorite color since I was a child. I even liked blue Christmas lights the best. Yet that doesn't make it any easier to paint them. Bluebird blue falls into its own category, and it takes some paint mixing in watercolor or acrylic to create something resembling the correct color. Fifty years ago when I started birding, Eastern bluebirds were hurting as a species. Thanks to thousands of volunteers across the country, they're back! I love photographing them whenever I find them, and these days, it's thankfully quite often. Their modest calls are barely musical, but charming. I hope you enjoy them too. Look for them in open woodlands and forest preserves where big oaks offer them places to perch, fly down and catch bugs. The females are slightly less blue, and still pretty. They sometimes stay the winter here in Illinois, and their appearance when the snows first melt is a first sign of spring, a moment I captured in this painting. I've also shared a short video of a bluebird calling at Elburn Forest Preserve.
0
0
10d •
Birds aren’t perfect at everything
I looked out the window to find a house sparrow project gone wrong. I’ve seen overstuffed bird nests before, but this one beats all. I don’t know what the plan was here. Perhaps a sparrow with ADHD like me? Or else someone in the residence is a hoarder sparrow who can’t stand to give away good material? Or perhaps there’s a subplot. House sparrows often compete with house wrens for nesting boxes. Some wrens will make multiple nests just to keep other birds out. It’s all messy business in some corners of the bird world. #birds #birders #sparrows #bird
11d •
Snowy Egrets have yellow feet!
One of North America’s all-white egret species is best identified by its bright yellow feet.
1
0
17d •
"You old coot"
The wetland behind our home is busy with water birds of many kinds this spring. I took photos of the coots feeding in the shallows backing up to our home. They are quite beautiful birds when you take a moment to admire their black and grey plumage at close range. Their white bill is visible from quite a distance, and along with their bobbing swim motion makes them easy to identify from far away. Their voices are a mix of cackling notes and calls, which is perhaps why they're the source of the phrase "You Old Coot..." as described in this AI summary of that idiom's origins: You old coot" is an informal, often affectionate or mildly derogatory phrase used to describe an old man who is considered eccentric, stubborn, crotchety, or set in his ways. It typically implies someone who is harmless but cranky or simple. The term stems from a "coot" being a type of waterbird, with usage dating back to the 1700s. Key Aspects of "Old Coot" - Definition: A slang term for an old person, especially a man. - Characteristics: Often used to describe someone stubborn, eccentric, touchy, or possessing a negative outlook. - Usage Context: It can be used as a good-natured, playful jibe among friends or as a grumpier, slightly insulting remark. - Origin: It derives from a bird (the American Coot), which was historically considered a simple or "foolish" bird. There you go! If you like The Art of Birding please share with your network. Let's grow this community!
1
0
1-30 of 30
powered by
skool.com/art-of-birding-2447
Birding expert and wildlife artist Christopher Cudworth brings birding to life
Suggested communities
Powered by