Studying The Crows
11x14in oil on canvas NFS
Artist Note.
After I realized that my new series,
based on the pond at the pecan factory,
required me to paint crows, I decided to
delve into studying them so I would be able
to paint them with some authority.
As well as sitting in my car sketching
these very active birds at the pond,
I actually have a couple of
crow models in the house.
One is a feathered foam-base of a crow
and the other is a wonderful little bronze.
I can move them around in the light
and see their main form.
11x14in oil on canvas NFS
Artist Note.
After I realized that my new series,
based on the pond at the pecan factory,
required me to paint crows, I decided to
delve into studying them so I would be able
to paint them with some authority.
As well as sitting in my car sketching
these very active birds at the pond,
I actually have a couple of
crow models in the house.
One is a feathered foam-base of a crow
and the other is a wonderful little bronze.
I can move them around in the light
and see their main form.
P.S. Yes...that is genuine New Mexico dust
on my windowsill. Only noticed in the beam
of sunlight.
Instead of blushing...or dusting...
I couldn't resist moving one of the larger
specks to just under the beak.
on my windowsill. Only noticed in the beam
of sunlight.
Instead of blushing...or dusting...
I couldn't resist moving one of the larger
specks to just under the beak.
Julie, you should see the California dust in my house! As always, I love the texture. Your crows are full of it and I love it.
ReplyDeleteLOL - thanks Helen!
DeleteGreat idea to take the old painting of the barn and put a new spin on it.
Excellent work with these crows, Julie ! I think you can paint almost anything!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilda - wish I could paint almost anything, but once I make the effort then it does get easier. Thats why I do studies.
DeleteI have Western Australian dust :) Look at the colour of that pond, no wonder you are inspired! This study is so lively, I am really enjoying the crow pond series...I hope you will keep going with it for a while :)
ReplyDeleteSo love the crows! Thanks for sharing your model secrets!
ReplyDeletethanks Kaethe. Your interior painting is superior.
DeleteDon't watch a re-run of Hitchcock's "The Birds" :0))
ReplyDeleteLovely study of them, I've yet to get beyond humans although I have a commission for a Pen & Ink seagull.
I just found myself whistling the Scottish song, "Three Crews Sa Upa a Wa" (Three Crows Sat Upon a Wall)
Just read about your upcoming travels to the other side of the world. Fascinating family you have. Love your new painting.
DeleteIf you have dust, flaunt it??? LOL!:) Me too!
ReplyDeleteThose crows are an interesting shape aren't they? I like the bronze one in particular.
Me too.
DeleteTalking about interesting shapes...you are a master at them!
I love the crows! Your colors are gorgeous and I love how the shapes dance around the page!
ReplyDeleteI have dust in my house, even after I dusted it!
I like you more for having dust...
DeleteYour african violets are so beautiful - watercolor at its best!
Lucky us that you would rather paint than dust!! Love your new series, Julie!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am going to love your Alphabet series. Your batiks are amazing.
DeleteNicely done, Julie! A great idea to use a decorative piece as a reference model. I would think the 3D effect would let you see how light reacts on those black feathers, and the observation of form would be greatly enhanced. I love this series!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit, Carol. You are dead on about how useful the models have been;
DeleteHope your husband it g=feeling much better.
I love your latest painting.
Looks like you mastered them!
ReplyDeleteNot yet! Hope all is well, Sharon.
DeleteYou've painted the crows with attitude, like the ones that wait for a morning handout on my deck. Beautiful color combination Julie.
ReplyDeleteI do not have crows around my house. I have to drive to see them. I am learning how smart they are though and I like that. My goal is to find a crows nest.
DeleteI like your colors too. We are both into color. Wait till you see my new one!
The crows painting is terrific in its roughness. You've got the bird! The crows in Michigan are giant., beady eyed creatures with long necks. They are very vocal and attack the nests of other birds. They are as wicked as their reputation. New Mexico seems to have a more refined breed.
ReplyDeleteYes..more refined...it must be the natural lithium in our water!
DeleteI have all these emails telling me how smart they are. Mixed reactions about their temperaments.
You are drawing up a storm. A wonderful storm!
wow! wonderful crows!!!!
ReplyDeleteLol at your ballerina story!
DeleteGreat that you have references for the crows! I like the painting of them!
ReplyDeleteA crow could go in your new painting...look good next to the red in the tree.
DeleteMy kind of cleaning....haha love it! Also my kind of painting, your practice and creativity give your work authority
ReplyDeleteLove your white horse and the colors you captured in the shadow.
DeleteThanks for the very nice comment.
Love your series...they look very lively! I think crows have such attitude and are interesting to paint and the color of the pond is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThe crow shape reminds me of the buffalo. No - not the same, but simple and strong. I think your bottles are so lovely with such a quiet serenity.
DeleteYour post made me laugh, Julie...the dust speck. Did you move? At any rate, I love the painting and your crow statuary. You never cease to amaze me with your work.
ReplyDeleteGlad I made you laugh. No - have not moved. Same dusty place!
DeleteGood to have you back.
Your studying really paid off, love all these different crow poses, and so wonderfully set off with your abstract background !
ReplyDeleteThanks, dear Jane.
DeleteI liked your abstract - fabulous colors and power!
It is very inspiring to paint the crows so that you can better master them! One of the things I love about how you work...a perfectionist in the most wonderful way. I love how you paint them.
ReplyDeleteEh...so what's a little dust. Means you are doing more important things. :)
You always know how to say the perfect things.
DeleteYour lantern painting is another one with a lot of meaning.
Dust...do you have any?
Julie - I think your study of the crows are wonderful. Had to smile at your dust! I think I may have some at my house as well - except it is Ohio dust!! Will be looking forward to more crow paintings. They are extremely smart birds - love to see them in our fields here as well. Take care and have a great week-end.
ReplyDeleteMy weekend was very busy working on the big commission. I am behind on so many things but cannot complain...doing what I love to do.
DeleteHope all is continuing to be well. Hugs,
Hi Julie, You have inspired me so much with your work, that I want to reward you with a video about friendship and joy of sharing. Happy painting!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/embed/qoaEBb4IN4Q?rel=0
Thanks so much. I LOVED this one. I nev er would have imagined it was possible. Sent it to my daughter.
DeleteI see you have not used your blog in a long time. may I ask why?
Stunningly depicted Julie! Loved your models as well.Talk about dust, we live and breathe dust :-)
ReplyDeleteI remember the beautiful colors of India more than the dust.
DeleteYou are always so encouraging. I appreciate YOU, Padmaja.
The painting with the crows has a beautiful light and a very successful composition. For a topic a bit 'unusual, it really is a beautiful painting.
ReplyDeleteI do not like the crows. In Turin, where I lived 22 years they have large colonies of great crows and their songs, when they are so many, it is not exactly an angelic music, when they are too close to home. It 's funny how in the cities nowis the phenomenon of new" wilderness", especially if, as in Turin, there are large rivers and areas of green ,with real urban forests. Your crows,instead, are little and graceful, the better crows to painting!!!
I lol at your story of the crows. "Not exactly angelic music!!!!"
DeleteIt does seem ours are smaller than yours. they also stay around the pecan orchards. I have none at my home.
Your new floral is perfectly lovely.