Thursday, December 19, 2013

Fly, Fly, Away - the Bird Challenge

Not much has been happening around here art-wise lately what with the new job and all, but last weekend it was my turn to host the art club which is always so much fun.  We met in a class when I decided to do something about my need to paint (2008, wow almost six years). At first we got together to paint.  Now we skip the painting part, talk about it a lot, and eat & drink wine!    A wonderful group and delightfully diverse - there's just something about artists that transcends - magical.

Each month/meeting the club has a challenge - mine was to paint a bird.  We love watching birds in the backyard and I am seriously mesmerized by Angela Moulton's paintings click here .  While I didn't achieve the looseness and confidence of Angela's work, I am happy with my goldfinch in all his springtime glory.  Did you know that male goldfinches get dull and greenish in the winter and then pop out the neon-yellow-mating-suit in the spring?  Kinda reminds me of prom in the 70's. . . 'nuff said. 

Goldfinch
click here to bid

Hoping that someday my art-head with usurp my engineer-head and make me a happier painter!

footnotes:

This is a painting from a reference photo posted on a site called Paint My Photo http://paintmyphoto.ning.com/. a great place to get reference photos for free - they only ask you to post your painting on their page.  So here's mine to Rodney Campbell http://paintmyphoto.ning.com/photo/goldfinch-breeding-plumage?commentId=5204568%3AComment%3A1755313&xg_source=activity.  It's a fun site to browse around if you have a few minutes. 

p.s. I received a wonderful comment on the blog that has rejuvenated me and made posting a priority over all the other things going on with the holidays, work issues, daily logistics, etc.  Really reminds one to pay attention to what is important!  Enjoy life.