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Fun fact – Did you know that raptors often pull

Fun fact – Did you know that raptors often pull two or more wobbly branches together to make a firm perch for watching the world from the very tip top of coniferous trees? There is one blue spruce tree on a hill at my brother’s place that is a favourite viewpoint for several different types of predatory birds. They take turns claiming it, and they all pull those two top branches together the same way!

I started a sketch and underpainting for this piece last season but set it aside for thick layers of oils to dry. Then I forgot about it and finally picked it up again this week, inspired by new raptors visiting that same tree! I was intrigued by the way birds of all sizes love that view, and how cleverly they find a way to stand tall to see the lake off in the distance!

I will post the rest of the painting sometime soon. It is not what you will expect! I turned this one into an experiment, having some serious fun with brushwork, going from focus in the centre, out to big, layered swirls in the outer areas. 😊

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#redtailedhawk #partsofpaintings #wip #unfinishedpainting #detailsection #raptorpainting #hawkpainting #birdsofprey #natureart #hawkart #birdart #raptors #raptor #hawk #oilpainting #oilpainting #oiloncanvas #foresthousestudio #inthestudiotoday #wetpaint #birdwatching #birdlover

I have been absent from the #openwindowsketches cr

I have been absent from the #openwindowsketches creative practice challenge for a couple of days. Life got busy, as it does for all of us! Today’s post is about those little moments when you have only enough time for a few notes or doodles.

The watercolour play on this page was added to a page with favourite quotes that were written into the sketchbook a different day. When flipping through an almost full sketchbook, I decided to add just a little bit of colour to the page.

At another time, I will experiment more with the Open Window prompts about branching and petal shapes in nature, but in this example, it was just a bit of brush play. Then I added a tiny bird – just because . . .

People can still join the spring art and nature Facebook Group and/or Instagram challenge. On Facebook just check for the Open Window Sketches group, or on Instagram tag us with the hashtag #openwindowsketches.

For more information visit blog.foresthousestudio.ca or sign up for the FB group

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#mayaangelouquote #ToniMorrisonquote #openwindowsketches #Natureart #artandnature #markmaking #mindfuldrawing #mindfulnessinnature #artjournals #natureconnection #justdraw #selfcare #creativepractice #creativeroutine #inspiredbynature

Last of the little wren painting series for this w

Last of the little wren painting series for this week.

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#oilpaintingonwood #bcwildlife #artforconservation #bcartist #okanaganart #keepthemwild #animalfamilies #myeverydaymagic #beautyinthedetails #naturemoment #naturedetails #nothingisordinary #awhisperedbeauty #natureinspired #biophilia #smalloilpaintings #smallpaintings #tinyart #wrens

#openwindowsketches Prompt “ Neighbour Bird Stor

#openwindowsketches Prompt “ Neighbour Bird Stories”

I saw my first Pacific wren in my yard recently, and my neighbour saw one in her yard too. These are interesting little creatures, but they are quite elusive, especially the Pacific wren which is very well camouflaged and quick to hide.

I tried drawing a little wren from memory into my sketchbook, but I wasn’t sure about the funny tails. Then I looked at a bunch of images, to see the different types of wrens from many angles. I looked at bird guides, children’s books, photos, and Biodiversity Heritage Library illustrations. This is a little group of practice birds, testing with Acryla gouache.

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#birdsketches #thumbnails #sketchbookstudies #gouache #wrens #PacificWren #MarshWren #biodiversity #artandnature #naturejournal #artjournals #natureonthedoorstep #drawingprompt #daysofsmallthings #drawingtolearn #BCwildlife #naturecanada #naturecanada #naturesketching #foresthousestudio

"Keep letting those layers fall and keep moving in

"Keep letting those layers fall and keep moving in the direction of the real. . . “

“Don’t wait. . . Call, write, send a card, deliver cookies or better yet, arrange to go for a walk in the sun to some wonderful place in nature where there’s space for a private conversation and the healing properties of trees, critters and fresh air is available. Do it, pay attention.”

(Lori’s words)

Thank you Lori ❤️. . . strong, wise, always real

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#friends.of.woodhaven #dontwait @lorimairsmethods #fragile #strongwomen #owlfeather #openwindowsketches

Morning sketchbook warm-ups. A quiet moment at hom

Morning sketchbook warm-ups. A quiet moment at home before heading outdoors. . . She reminds me of the perfection of art as experience. . . process, questions and exploration. . . Then move on!

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#openwindowsketches #sketchbookwarmups #childartist #artisforeveryone

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