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Beginning Thoughts. Whenever I begin a watercolor portrait, I have a few ideas on where I'm going with it, but mostly I let it evolve layer-by-layer. I loved the playful expression on Taylor's face in this photo. I knew I wanted to create a fun piece, and I knew I wanted to incorporate some branches in the background.   Below, I've outlined a simplified step-by-step progression. The actual time required to complete this painting was far greater than this brief tutorial suggests!   The first wash. I began, as usual, with a very light wash of quinacridone gold, quinacridone rose, and peacock blue, randomly changing colors as [...]

If you read my previous article, Frigid Temps, Fat Robins, you may have been surprised at the odds against the American Robin successfully producing young. I know I was!   I remembered that two springs ago I had witnessed a successful American Robin's nest right in my front yard. Since the little hideaway was chest-high just outside my front door, it was easy to snap quick photos with my cell phone without disturbing the occupants too much, though I limited my intrusions for their health and privacy.   Come along with me on a photo journey from nest to fledge!   4/9/19 The day I first noticed the [...]