HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY - LUNCH WITH FRIENDS

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

LUNCH WITH FRIENDS - 11 X 14 -  Available

As you know I am famous for revisiting a picture I am not happy with and trying to save it.  This was definitely the case with my blackbirds.  I loved my birds and my bird feeder in this drawing but somehow my composition did not work for me. (See my original picture below.)  When I was reluctant to take it to a show, I knew I had to do something.  I took it to a critiquing session and listened to all the comments and then I sat with it for a few months while my ideas percolated, finally I was ready to roll.  I developed some background foliage and added another bird to the group.  The picture seems more balanced and  far more interesting now so I am happy.

I am applying for my Signature Status with the Federation of Canadian Artists and I have decided to use my blackbirds as my opening picture.  The application goes in this week so keep your fingers crossed; jurying happens the March 10th weekend!!

THE TEA PARTY - 9 X 12  (No longer available!!)

IT'S COFFEE TIME

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

IT'S COFFEE TIME - 13 X 22 - Available

Golfing, bulrushes, setting sun.  These are things I think of when I see the red-winged blackbirds.  I like to golf in the late afternoon and the blackbirds are abundant on the golf course.   As the sun sets in the evening, the colours glow on the water and fairways and the birds spur us along with their serenade. 

This group was gathered at the bird feeder and after cropping the picture I thought I would try incorporating the watercolour pouring technique with a highly realistic drawing of the birds themselves.  I found the picture quite a challenge it became a mixture of both working in the negative and the positive.  I finished the picture in the evening at our campsite and entered it into the Federation Juried Show as soon as we got home.  They made the cut!!  It’s Coffee Time is now hanging in the Surrey Arts Center, Aug 20-Nov. 13.  The reception is September 17, 2011. 7:30-9pm.  See you there.

It's Coffee Time - Step 1, after the pour

It's Coffee Time - Step 2, working on the negative

THE TEA PARTY

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

THE TEA PARTY - 8.5 x 12 - Available

My tea party is now in full swing.  The red winged blackbirds were buzzing around the feeders out at Riefel Bird Sanctuary when I was there last.  Their colours and songs really caught my eye.  I was particularly happy to capture the sprayed form of the one in the center.  He was busy calling to the others and seemed to be running the show.  The old feeders have lovely old fashion lines and I thought they made a great mix.  As you can see it is graphite except for that the touch of colour, that is watercolour pencils.  I am not really interested in doing the entire picture in colour pencils but I do like that touch to bring it to life.  It seems to be my ‘thing’ right now and I am just chaffing at the bit to do more.  I have so many ideas floating around in my head; I can’t keep up with them right now!