It appears that I have the most bizarre flock of birds gathering around me just now.
I can't seem to stop seeing amazing birds that I want to paint, so I'm embracing it.
Unfortunately, I've only ever seen a fleeting glimpse of a kingfisher in flight... just a spectacular splash of vibrant colour catching my eye for a tantalising second.
They really are what you might call flighty!
During this current painting trance, I completely forgot all about taking work in progress photos, but I did basically the same process as in my previous bird paintings.
or maybe a Firecrest click here)
Layers and layers of under painting, building up the watercolours with each layer.
I have to admit I wasn't completely happy with the bright turquoise blue, but sometimes it's best to quit whilst your ahead. I think if I'd have carried on I would have taken it too far.
Yesterday wasn't the best day to take it, so I might try again today, as the sun is shining.
I think spring may have arrived... it's a little early, but there's a definite springy feeling out there.
So that's my painting for this week.
I've no idea what might be next, which is both terrifying and exciting all at once.
If I can keep this momentum going, of painting one painting a week, I'll be very happy.
I'm linking up as usual with the Paint Party Friday group.
If you'd like to pop across with me... click here.
Right the sun is shining and there's warmth out there, so I'm heading out into the garden.
Have a fantastic Friday, no matter what you have planned.
Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again soon.
Hello Neesie, I can certainly see the merit in taking time and building up layers of watercolour - you develop so much depth in your artwork.
ReplyDeleteAgain, as with all your artwork, when I look even closer at the details I'm so impressed. His eyes are the first part of him that creates a connection - they're so full of life and expressive. His flight feathers are wonderful and those fluffed chest feathers - superb.
Another beautiful bird to grace your blog and for us all to enjoy.
Happy PPF and thank you for sharing another one of your magnificent visitors :D)
Hi Sue, it not only helps with the building up of colour... it's allows me to nip in and out with the painting, doing the odd chore in between layers. Win win!
DeleteYou really have made my day with your lovely comments. I'm grinning like a Cheshire cat. I was really happy with his eye, so it's great to hear someone else noted it.
I wish you a wonderful weekend... Happy PPF to you too
Your flock of birds grows lovelier from week to week. Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteHehe Thanks Valerie, I'm not sure how large the flock will be, but for now I'm happy having a theme that seems to suit me. At least I don't waste hours wondering what to paint and then do nothing.
DeleteHappy PPF to you too
Your bird paintings are really beautiful. I've never seen a Kingfisher and I got to say I love the bright turquoise. I seem to be living by the same words 'one painting a week keeps me happy', too :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a Kingfisher up close, but they really are elusive. I had no idea that the turquoise would be such a challenge before I started painting.
DeleteI am really pleased that I seem to be able to complete one painting a week. I think having the wild bird theme has helped. I'm not procrastinating trying to think what to paint.
Love your bird! It's so beautifully painted.
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF and weekend ♥
Oh thank you so much sirkkis, it means a lot to hear such positive comments about my painting. Happy PPF and weekend to you too.
DeleteWonderful work. I can't even come close to getting a bird right.
ReplyDeleteThank you Granny Annie, to be honest I didn't know I could draw/paint birds either. I just started and then was quite pleased at the end results. That's possibly why I keep painting birds at the moment.
DeleteWonderful color and texture. Your birds are delightful! Happy PPF
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan, that's very kind of you. I really appreciate your comment. Happy PPF to you too
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine, enjoy your weekend and Happy PPF to you
DeleteGorgeous kingfisher
ReplyDeleteThank you Clare, I just one would visit my garden. They are so elusive. Happy PPF to you
Deletelovely details and depth in your watercolors-your kingfisher is gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, I'm really enjoying creating this bird collection. My own flock of birds. At least I'm having a run on painting now, because there's no panic about what to paint. I just pick a bird I like!
DeleteHappy PPF to you
I can't even imagine seeing such a beautiful and colorful bird in nature. We get a lovely robin red breast or two per season but really, that's it. You're so lucky to have such a plethora to choose from, can't wait to see your next one. Oh and I think you did wonderfully with the turquoise. Have a lovely day in your garden and a great weekend my friend. Hugs from here.
ReplyDeleteWell you have to be in the right place at the right time to catch sight of one of these gorgeous wee birds. They are usually found near stream, rivers perched on a branch waiting for lunch to appear.
DeleteI've only seen a flash of turquoise once! I live in hope that one day I'll see one whilst I have my camera. My son has seen one in our local woods, so fingers crossed I may be lucky one day.
Thanks for your wonderful words of encouragement... that turquoise certainly was a challenge.
I hope all is well with you and I hope to pop across to you soon. Hugs from here to there. I hope your have a wonderful weekend too.
He's got a very wise look in his eye.
ReplyDeleteHehe... Thanks Debra,
DeleteI must admit I was rather pleased with his eye ;D
the weather was pretty nice in Dundee for this time of year, was nice having the sun shining :)
ReplyDeleteI think your kingfisher is really well done, its really nice shade of blue :)
Thanks Jennifer,
DeleteIt was unbelievably warm yesterday and I hear that tomorrow we are going to be the warmest in the whole country!
Let's hope it's spring arriving early and will stay
Hi Denise! Your bird (Kingfisher) is beautiful. I love the colors and you did a great job. Nice that you are feeling Spring. We are having lots & lots of rain and cold winds here in Northern California USA. WE have droughts for quite a few weeks and then get slammed with so much water everything is flooding. Oh well, we definitely have needed the water. Have a great PPF and a Wonderful Week ahead. Hugz, Rasz
ReplyDeleteAww thanks Rasz, I was pleased with the outcome in the end, although there was a danger of overworking him at one stage. I decided to leave well alone in the end, and I think that was a good decision.
DeleteI didn't realise that your weather could be so challenging.
Happy PPF and I hope you have a wonderful weekend too.
Oh he is such a pretty bird...love the lightness on his head that creates so much dimension! Also the lovely branch he stands upon!! Really nice piece! What a great series!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
I'm thrilled that you like my Kingfisher. I'm enjoying painting the bird collection. I'm finding that I don't have to rack my brains for something to paint... and by the time I've procrastinated for over a week, I've painted nothing! This way I'm managing to paint one painting a week... which makes me very happy.
DeleteHugs back to you
Hi Neesie. Your bird is lovely. I tried painting some birds this week but it did not pan out as well as I had hoped. Need to try again. :) I have not tried too much watercolor - it seems so difficult to manage! Thanks for sharing your beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteLovely work :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Always wonderful Sugar!!!
ReplyDeleteSandy xx
The blue on your kingfisher is a delight. I love the art.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful painting. I love the turquoise of the kingfisher's feathers - such a beautiful vibrant colour :-)
ReplyDeleteNice washes Nessie
ReplyDeletehave a good week
much love...
Love your Kingfisher! I had one fishing on my pond as I painted down there last week! I've never had one here before! Ours are black and white, but the same shape! He sang very loudly, then softly right before he dived in after a fish! Keep up the good work! :)
ReplyDelete