Cactus Wren Study
8x5in watercolor on paper NFS
Continuing my exploration of nests and feathers.
I had a Cactus Wren build a large and wonderful
nest very close the house. The opening is on the side,
very protected among the spikes of the cactus.
A large 'something' attacked the nest and tore
it apart. I found myself rather upset when I saw
lots of feathers on the ground.
We have Roadrunners here which are
large enough to do the damage, but they usually
stay away from cactus. Maybe a hawk from above?
Can anyone enlighten me?
Artist note.
These Strathmore sketch books (I have mentioned
before) come in beige and gray paper as well as white..
I used the beige one for this sketch.
They are adequate, not great, for watercolor as
they buckle a bit, but still very satisfactory for just
the simple enjoyment of piddling with ideas and concepts.
I do not usually paint the bird, but this one happened
all on its own. Maybe in memoriam?
so sorry ...if you are like me things like that really bother me !! I know it is "nature" but UGH..! I don't want to know. Your drawings are beautiful. I also love the Strathmore toned papers
ReplyDeleteyes -nature is cruel and some people can be. i prefer to stay in a cocoon of my art life where i only let nice energy in. but then something happens like the loss of this bird and it really did upset me.
DeleteThese are beautiful sketches, Julie. I love the soft, muted tones. I agree with Celeste's comment, sometimes nature seems quite brutal.
ReplyDeleteHi sue - we are in complete agreement.
Deletelove the changes you made to your painting.
Sad end to the nest ...
ReplyDeleteI think the tone of the paper brings warmth to your sketches. The result is very pleasing.
glad you like it Lydie. You are so good with watercolor. Love your paintings of the ocean/sea.
DeleteLove your little works here with these gorgeous and warm earth colors, the bird is a little gem ! So sad about the nest ....could even be a snake ?? Who knows.
ReplyDeleteyes - apparently I was informed it could be a snake though this cactus was a tall one and the thought of the snake getting up that high through all those spikes makes me doubt it.
DeleteCongratulations again on your exhibition.
I'm with Celeste. Hate hearing of the probable demise of this little guy. I love how you've painted him, Julie. Of course, your paintings are always exquisite and I was surprised to see this done in a sketchbook. It looks so much larger than life in the top photo! Gorgeous background too!
ReplyDeleteNo - it is 8in high - you are most likely looking at it on a large monitor. Shudder - you will see all the oopsies!
DeleteHope you are feeling a bit more upbeat and will have some good news to share this week.
I enjoyed your painting ( your awesome piddling) and your story. I watch the birds myself and see how the peacefulness of their world can be interrupted by some aggressive bird. Many birds can be drinking from my bird bath and along comes a Stellar Jay or a Roadrunner and they have to scatter. And incidentally I walked over to Open Space yesterday to see if the fields are being prepared for the migrating birds now that the workers are back to work. Nothing. No birds. Field untouched. Sad
ReplyDeleteThat is sad. did they migrate there before the federal programs started preparing the fields? I ask in the hope that instinct will win out.
Deletelove your paintings of the Gates of New Mexcio
This little painting of the bird is beautiful, Julie.... We have a koi pond outside and when an egret came and fished one of them out, we would've loved to have seen how it happened or even IF it was an egret!! This is why my nephew has a camera....hmmm, just an expensive thought...lol Again, these sketches are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteImagine - an egret stealing from your pond. Wow! that would have been dramatic and sad at the same time.
DeleteStill think your pastel portraits are the best around.
Beautiful paintings, Julia!
ReplyDeleteI know it's pretty stressful when a bird you've grown attached to succumbs to a higher link in the food chain. But you have to put on the documentary mentality.
I'm always how they can film all killing that goes on and fight the urge to interfere, even in some cases.
Actually that is good advice. I watch the animal shows all the time. iI admit to cringing at times but it is different when you get to know the animal or bird in question. I will do as you suggest though as it makes good sense.
DeleteYour dog portrait is totally AWESOME
Your theme of nests and feathers is close to my heart, also. The roadrunners in this area seem to be quite aggressive (I suppose they all are), but we've watched as they grab the young from nests as high as 20 feet. We had a dove couple in a nest right by our front door that had two eggs. After they both hatched we saw one morning there had been a real battle overnight and Mom and one baby were gone. I don't know if roadrunners hunt at night, but from the damage we assumed it was a bobcat, an owl, or hawk.
ReplyDeleteCactus wrens are so appealing. They're sassy, but fun to watch as they're so active. Their nests are beautifully built as you said!
WOW - roadrunners grabbing up that high well it could have been one of them i have not seen a single c wren so maybe both were killed. Enough feathers around to fill a box. Your dove story moved me too. I agree about the c wrens, Sassy is the perfect word and industrious too. Good parents and work hard at building their large nests.
Deletei love the way your painted your iris. beautiful colors.
beautiful,inspiring! and hardly 'piddling'! I rarely paint birds, but this make me want to try a few more. I am looking for a new tablet to take on a coming trip and this would be great- thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. Love your special painting with the gorgeous back lighting.
DeleteI love how you keep on evolving, trying new medias etc. I know I should do the same, but so far I haven't been able to get myself to do it. Love you work as always. Hug!
ReplyDeleteThe watercolor isn't completely new...I just picked it up after a lot of years so I could paint during the weekends in the same room as my hubby who has been rather ill.
ReplyDeleteWhat is new is the exploration of presentation with new subject matter.
love your brilliant pink flowers today!