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!

All the thrushes are among my favorite birds, (well...not too fond of the robin but love all the rest!)This little guy, (2.75 x 2.75) is not miniature quality but he will do nicely for a birthday card I am presently designing. I'll upload the entire design when I'm finished.

I meant to get this done before Easter...oh well. Happy belated Easter everyone! May spring warm your hearts and souls!

This is the last miniature I'll do for the season. I'm behind on other projects and must catch up. I'll start some mini's again in the fall for a couple of shows I think. They are just too much fun! This one, "Quiet Repose" is 2 1/4" x 3".

Here is yet another miniature. This one is a reworking of a previous painting only this one is scaled down to 3.75" x 2". This beauty grew in our backyard when we lived in Iowa. I thought the backside was far more intriguing than the front so, of course...it got all the attention in this composition. Until spring decides to wake up this year I'll be hooked on flowers from the studio for a while!

This is another mini, (3 x 2") painted from an old photo I had taken years ago at the Iowa State fair. It was a very hot day and though the afternoon light was harsh outide, inside the barns, there was a dramatic and warm refraction of those strong outside rays. Looking at sheep munching on hay always relaxes me...cows have the same calming affect. I'll have a hard time giving this one up for after having painting it I feel a certain kinship with those animals!

If only spring would come! Then I might indulge in a live model rather than a photo taken last year. Oh well...I take what I can get to chase away the winter blahs! This one is another miniature. It measures 1 7/8" x 4". The minis are rather addicting!