Pretty in pink

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Sometimes you just want to go with some COLOUR! I love hummingbirds, their migrations are extraordinary and the explosive aggression of a male defending his territory is the definition of an anger management issue. I have seen them chase away birds as big a woodpeckers - I so admire their ambition!

It makes me happy that when I delivered this painting to its new owner that not only had it gone to one of my favourite clients, but that outside the room we unwrapped it in their were many Ruby Throated Hummingbirds visiting the numerous feeders provided. Clearly the painting had found its rightful home.

This little marsh wren appeared in one of the first ever colour pencil drawings I did. I was so fond of the subject I decided to return to it and have another go at "In the thicket". 

Sometimes a painting suggests itself to me. While I was looking through some reference photos of orchids that I had taken, this one reminded me of the colours of the beautiful Calliope Hummingbirds that would visit my feeders back in British Columbia. The combination seemed too good to pass on.

This nest in Ontario was full to bursting and the parents were working flat out to keep these four fed. I took the liberty of relocating them (in the painting) to my new hometown in Nova Scotia so I could use some wonderfully worn shingles as the backdrop.

Swallows mark for me the arrival of Fall the same way the returning Hummingbirds mark the arrival of spring. When they start to line up on the power lines (or more aesthetically pleasing Maple branches) it's a sure sign the season is on the turn.

This one was inspired by my love of traditional Japanese paintings, particularly the composition and colour palette.