Friday, November 19, 2010

Yank, yank...

Painting #81, White-breasted Nuthatch along the Little Miami...Yank, Yank.
Pencil drawing with watercolor overylay
9x12 Arches Rough 140 Lb Paper

This painting started out as a pencil sketch. I drew him in the car, then filled him in with watercolor later that evening at home. If you look closely, you can see the following pencil sketch hiding beneath the color...

Pencil Sketch of a White-breasted Nuthatch
9x12 Arches Rough 140 Lb Paper

The 100 Painting Challenge is making me a faster painter. I need less time to draw and less time to paint...more animation seems to be creeping into the drawings as well. I like this guy much better than painting 76, which is also of a White-breasted Nuthatch. There's more life and expression in this fellow's face. How many times has a White-breasted Nuthatch given you this look?

25 comments:

Sue said...

Beautiful---they are my FAVORITE to watch. Nicely done, Kelly!

Lois Evensen said...

Both are very pretty. As much as I like the water color, I like the sketch, too. Very nice.

Pam Johnson Brickell said...

You've really captured the 'look'... I'd always know it was time for more feeder food when they'd stare at me this way :)

Kerri Farley said...

One of my fave birds!! You are soooo talented!

grammie g said...

Hi Kelly...this one I do like better.
There is that expression and that look ...very nice...keep pressing on with the challenge!!

Dawn said...

You are an incredible artist. I love that blue!
My boys love drawing/painting birds...do you give lessons????)

(I guess I would need to drive a ways ....but oh I love your birds!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!
dawn

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Kelly, One gave me that look TODAY--while I was raking and blowing leaves in the backyard... I think he was telling me to 'go away'....ha

Great painting.
Hugs,
Betsy

Nicole MacP said...

haha! Love it, great expression!!

Anonymous said...

Your sketches and painting are great!

Elaine said...

Very nice! The challenge has really made you grow as a painter, and whether you actually make it all the way to 100 it has been a worthwhile exercise for you.

Warren Baker said...

The Nuthatches hear give the same look Kelly :-)

Chris said...

I love the first one a lot.... It is beautifully painted! Well done!

Bob Bushell said...

Your paintings are beautiful Kelly.

Dan Huber said...

lovely artwork :)

Montanagirl said...

They are a neat little bird. I've been trying to capture some decent photos of a little Red-breasted Nuthatch that's been checking out the peanut tray. He is so quick in his movements, darting here and there, that I'm not getting many good shots of him!

Jeni said...

Very Pretty Kelly !!

Jenny said...

That is such a great skill, to capture the essence of a bird. You did this beautifully here Kelly. Fab U lous! (-:

Out on the prairie said...

Very nice indeed, I enjoyed seeing the sketch also. There is a nice shot of a red-breasted on a pine cone in the new Birds and Blooms.

Linda said...

Hi Kelly, I can only say that I am so pleased to come across your site, wow! Your art is AMAZING beyond words, whether it be your sketches, paintings, photos, stories, etc...Your nuthatch is adorable! I excitedly photographed one recently, having caught the bird bug. Thank you for sharing your beautiful blog, as it is so inspiring! Cheers from Bangor, Maine~ Linda

Anonymous said...

Hey Kelly, I think the pencil outlines are providing some feather edge detail, so they don't look out of place.

Jayne said...

I love the addition of the pencil marks Kelly. He's beautiful!

Appalachian Lady said...

I too like the top sketch. The eyes are especially expressive. Nice job.

Kelly said...

...thanks, everyone! I think I'll make sure I always carry a sketchbook. It seems everyone likes the pencil marks showing through. It's great for a quick sketch. I found this guy on the Little Miami. When I was photographing him, that look made me laugh!! Again, thanks so much for all the kind comments.

E said...

Beautiful and very artistic work, well done!

Happy Thanksgiving to all, dear Kelly,
Hugs and love

Tammie Lee said...

I always love seeing a sketch and then the final piece. There is more of a glimpse into the artist. Also it is fun to hear about you creating faster. I look forward to experiencing this.