Bumble Heart

The last mini of this set of 8. I decided to paint a bumblebee as a change from hummingbirds. He’s head down getting all the pollen!

Humming

This felt big after a series of 4″ square mini paintings! It is not actually all that large at 12″ in diameter – the hummingbirds are about life-sized as they are in the minis.

Some paintings just flow together and this was one of them. It felt easy and playful to paint and I am really pleased with how it turned out too.

I have been posting quite frequently as I was catching up with the work I did during and after a posting hiatus during this past summer. I am all caught up now and starting work on larger pieces so I will likely be posting less often.

Sweet Nectar

Another Anna’s hummingbird for this mini painting. This time mid-hover and mid-sip. Here I am enjoying how the tiny bird almost blends into the setting of matching flowers.

Tiny but Fierce

You have to admire these feisty little birds and this one is just full of attitude. I kept the background quite loose here to keep the focus on the hummingbird …you can’t miss that intense stare!

Anna’s Blooms

This sweet little Anna’s hummingbird is perched daintily among the flowers. “Which one will I sip from next?”

I am having so much fun painting hummingbirds lately. And I’m not done yet! This was actually the last painting I finished in 2021 after this it’s all new 2022 work. 🙂

Dainty Rufous

This is another common type of hummingbird where I live on the west coast of Canada although I see the Anna’s more often.

I was recently looking at slowed down videos of how hummingbirds’ wings move compared to other birds. Quite fascinating! Check out this Youtube video from the Smithsonian if you’re interested.

I was trying again to capture that sense of movement in stillness that hummingbirds impart.

Anna’s in Flight

I see Anna’s hummingbirds around here more than any other kind and even at this time of year – unless it’s really cold – they can be seen darting around hoping for some fuel for their tiny bodies. I’d rather imagine them in the midst of the bounty of summer blossoms though. I’m happy with the blur of the wings capturing that feeling of movement in stillness.

Little Brown Bat

This – dare I say – cute little brown bat was painted as a commission. It was a Christmas gift for someone who loves bats and I am happy to say that everyone was pleased! I had never painted a bat before and honestly was a bit uneasy about it …but the more I researched bats, the more I came to appreciate them.

Here the Birds Dance

To close out 2021 a larger piece that I worked on over a couple of months and finished recently. Inspired by the local juncos who are so quick flitting about. Often, they are only recognized by the flash of white in their tails. There is a feeling of Autumn in this piece as well, with arbutus berries and leaves and also signs of new rain in puddles. Realistic elements and other more abstracted passages balance each other.

Some details.

Here the Birds Dance (detail lower left)

Here the Birds Dance (detail upper left)

Here the Birds Dance (detail upper right)

Here the Birds Dance (detail lower right)

Wishing everyone a Very Happy New Year!

Ready for Cuddles

A kitty portrait of a special pet who lived for a very long time (22 years) but left us this past spring. He was quite a character and very affectionate. We miss him.

Green Tea Doodles

take some time for tea and check out my doodles

oil painting