Friday, May 29, 2009


This is the next in the backyard bird card series. I was so looking forward to creating the Blue Jays as they are one of my favorite birds. I don't know why but I feel a certain kinship with the more racous birds. Jays are birds with attitude and I love all varieties, (may have to do the stellars too for they are simply gorgeous!). I have included my messy sketch to give you an idea of how I go about arranging the composition. The beauty of a computer program such as Illustrator or Photoshop is that you can take different scanned elements of a work in progress and easily slide them around in a format to quickly view the best composition. I prefer to do this on screen rather than on paper...saves erasers! But, as you can see...it ALL begins with pencil and paper...and an honest love of birds!

5 comments:

mollie jones said...

Love this one Mary. I'm so impressed with your sense of design and your skill with those PS programs. WOW. Am looking forward to seeing your entire selection of cards.

Mary Jansen said...

Thanks for stopping by Mollie! I will be working on a web site soon and there I will post all of my cards, (I don't have a web site- saavy grandson like Ellie does to do it for me!)Tomorrow is Kenosha! I'll take lots of pics so you can be "there" too!

Lloyd Irving Bradbury said...

You are very good, and a great artist too! Marija getting help and so am I I just started to paint again I miss shareing art with you I sence a very busy women in conflict.
Be cheery and protect self

Gary Keimig said...

A wonderful blog and I love your insight on your art. What a sense of design you have and the way you use it in your creations.
Happy painting.

Mary Jansen said...

Thank you very much Gary! Some people think I'm rather odd but then, as many artists do, I pride myself in that! I've looked at your website and am floored at your wonderful creations! You live in such beautiful country it's no wonder you feel compelled to put it to canvas every day!