Ryerson Barn located in Illinois stands in the early morning light. Although it seems I only paint realistic birds and animals, I also enjoy trying my hand at more impressionist landscapes. When I visit this favorite place, I like to roll down the window regardless of the season to listen to the quiet, or the sounds of nature as I travel the tree lined path.
A crow and his family followed the the blue jays to my yard trying to discover where they were getting all the free peanuts. My luck didn't last as they were just passing through and have not returned since.
I visit a forest near my home on a weekly basis to see the changes the seasons bring. Various birds make their home here, and migrators pass through. It's always exciting to see rare birds, but the ubiquitous sparrow can always be counted on to make an appearance.
All the attention seems to go to the male cardinal because of their bright red color. The female cardinals are just as pretty with subtle shades of browns and toned down reds. This little lady was waiting her turn at the sunflower feeder on a snowy morning.
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I set up a little "bird photography studio" in my backyard, and position interesting branches in front of colorful backgrounds. Once the birds have determined these are safe to land on they will pose for reference photos. This is the first step in my painting process.
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Sometimes before gathering the peanuts I put out for them, they land on my roof and peer into my kitchen window. I guess they are curious, or checking to see who is in there. I can't figure out why they do it but it shows a level of intelligence.
Wolves are constantly under threat from listing and de-listing of their endangered species status. They are even shot and killed illegally, disrupting their family systems, and it is theorized, causing more of the problems some believe they solve by eliminating them.
These little birds are so fast and tiny it's hard to get a photo for reference. It's exciting to see them in the garden but you have to be as quick as they are.
According to Native American lore cardinals are thought to be harbingers of rain. Other tribes associate them with good fortune and sun.
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