Sunday, April 19, 2015

Tree Swallow sketch

Tree swallow-5" x 7"-watercolor and gouache on toned paper
As spring advances across the country so do the migrating birds. Some have been here for awhile and are already nesting. Many others are arriving daily and will stay in my area to nest while still others will visit and continue on farther north. 

I love this time of year because, along with the regulars like this tree swallow, surprises show up. Every morning on my walk I check specific areas that I know attract migrating birds to see who arrived over night. Nothing out of the ordinary has been seen yet, but there's still plenty of time.

In the meantime, I am contented to see the familiar faces and delight in the gorgeous colors of their breeding plumage. I love the beautiful blue iridescence of tree swallows and capturing that depth and sparkle in paint is a real challenge. This male sits atop his chosen nest box for the season. He is painted in watercolor and gouache and is available for purchase through my auctions on Daily Paintworks.