This is my third post in which I will try to portray the tranquility and quiet simplicity of life on the West Coast. This scene is very close to home now. The plain hedge made of saplings form the only fence between our home and the wilder parts of the reserve.
A little sparrow passed by on a misty morning and rested on the fence for a moment. My guest photographer, Jon Ivins, captured the image on camera and I used several techniques to portray it. This included very wet paint on a thin wet layer of white acrylic paint, wet-on-wet painting, and some scratching out. The woody rails and the sparrow were painted with dry undiluted acrylics.
The other photos were taken close to my home. Aren't they super? Jon is a professional photographer who covers great sporting events, but his food photos may also make your mouth water on the wall of a fast food place! Or else, he aims at nature, in all it's beauty, or even go underwater to show a paddling event from another angle. I think I will disclose that he is also my son-in-law! You can visit the wonderful world of JON IVINS at www. jonivins.com.
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Cute little birdie, Marie!!! Isn't it wonderful to love the place where we are blessed to live??
ReplyDeleteThose photos are exceptional, too. Your friend is VERY handy with the camera!
I love the simple and peaceful beauty of this scene, Marie!
ReplyDeleteJon had to be a professional photographer with that bird in the sunset captured at the very perfect moment. Your sketch of the little bird and these photos in this post certainly convey a wonderful serene world - you lucky lady.
ReplyDeleteI love this painting...it does seem the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. The way that you have handled the light and vegetation on the other side of the fence makes you want to explore! The little bird is such a nice addition. So serene!
ReplyDeleteAh thanks, Marian! Yes, I have enjoyed using guest photographers for the last three posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sherry! About your print, there has been a positive promise that I would receive it this week. It is not news that one has to wait a while for things in this country!
Thanks Joan, as you know our world, this coast is about as peaceful as it gets!
Thank you, Linda, you have opened up another level of meaning! I must say I just loved the bird's smallness on the canvas, almost dwarfed by the mist around it!
Love your sparrow painting, Marie!
ReplyDeleteYour son-in-law is very talented. I really like the bird over the backlit clouds.
The space behind the fence is well handled Marie, the bird and the fence are complementary.
ReplyDeleteHow simple and how wonderful. The little bird is adorable. Wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing Marie.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dean! Yes Jon is very accomplished and is 40 today!
ReplyDeletepadmaja, that is a lovely observation!
Thank you, Joan,such a fleeting little life! Thank you for the lovely comments.
This is beautiful Marie! You've certainly conveyed that tranquility of the West Coast through this little bird. Always helps to have a great photographer as a son-in-law!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Liana! Nice to hear from you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz. I just loved the vast expanses and in the middle of it,this birdie. Jon just gave me carte blanche to paint as many as I like. But as spring approaches I am going to travel again to find my material!
Beautiful photos. You live in a very beautiful place, Marie. Love the bird in the mist...one of those magical moments. And thanks for sharing your process using acrylic paints. I find them difficult to work with.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Liz, you certainly conveyed the tranquility around you. The bird looks very content too. Your paintings are always beautifully done. Nice photos by your son-in-law too. Are you going to try and capture the cloud scene? Quite a challenge.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Catherine! As spring slowly moves in, I am once again thankful that our winter is so short! Thank you for all the nice comments. I am up to my ears in exhibition deadlines at the moment. It is funny, but when the next invitation comes along, I say "yes" again and the list of work gets longer.....
ReplyDeleteJean, I think I will skip that difficult sunset and keep to the themes I know better. Do you know the film: Gladiator? I the beginning there is a close-up of a sparrow in the snow, then within seconds it flies off! It is heartbreakingly beautiful!
There is nothing better than serene beauty. I love your painting here that captures a fleeting, peaceful moment.
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