Painting 196. The First Dark-eyed Junco of the Season
(Watercolor)
Painting 195. Here Comes Winter--a Dark-eyed Junco is in the Backyard!
(watercolor)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Have your Dark-eyed Juncos arrived yet?
Our first contingent of Dark-eyed Juncos made an appearance two weeks ago on November 8. The little gray beauties with the sweet pink bills blew in on a cold north wind, bringing excitement with them as they announced the change of the season. These are our winter birds. We only get to see them when the snow flies and the skies turn gray. Having them back in the yard is always a happy day. Their chatter and twittering is almost fairylike, and their dark gray feathers are pretty. If it has to be cold and gray outside, thank goodness we have our little gray birds out there to brighten things up! Every year Rick and I have a little contest to see who will spot the first Dark-eyed Junco of the season. I won this year...
They are such sweet birds, aren't they? You've done a marvelous job capturing that. I love all the different mediums you use, but watercolor is always my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear they've arrived safely at your place, but I miss them! Lovely watercolors--and you're up to 196! You'll make your challenge easily.
ReplyDeleteLovely paintings Kelly. Ours get here usually in October - late, one of my favorites
ReplyDeletedan
I love these little birds, but we won't be seeing them where I live this winter - my memories are from Midwestern winters. I love the subtle way you caught those soft grays and the use of lost lines - these paintings are just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThose eyes are perfect Kelly.
ReplyDeleteI love both paintings! The first is magical, the second, endearing.
ReplyDeleteI saw our first Junco in north-central Ohio on 11/11/11. The first snow fell that day, too, at 2:30 a.m. (the dogs wanted out). It didn't last, but it was good to mark the moment.
Juncos and snow! Happy, happy!
Yep, our Juncos have arrived. Great watercolor studies, Kelly!
ReplyDeleteyes! i saw one last week here in Texas! your 2nd painting is just perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteKelly, Kelly, Kelly-
ReplyDeleteyour water colors just do something to me!
Something true yet restful.
I think your water colors are my favorite. So simple, yet convey so much. Very pleasant and endearing to look at. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThese are so beautiful. Love the watercolour.
ReplyDeleteStunning and simple. Your washes really nailed these sweeties.
ReplyDeleteI agree with others--you've really caught something essential about juncos and their charm. Maybe I'll follow your example and start noting when they arrive and leave. They've been here at least a couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen any yet this winter. Love your watercolors!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great Thanksgiving.
...thanks you, everyone. As always, you are too kind. I really enjoyed painting these two. The light touches of gray and faint pink of the bill seemed to be all they needed. We have had a few more Juncos join our little flock. I still get excited each time I look out the kitchen window and see the flash of white from the white bars on their tails as they fly off.
ReplyDeleteHope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteYes they have! Even here in Georgia - I just love these beauties - I think of the song, "Snow Bird" when I see them. I have enjoyed my stroll through your blog and am happy to be your newest follower,
Kathy