Happy Draw-a-Bird Day!
I drew this hummingbird (based on a Golden-tailed Sapphire) with birds of paradise flowers back in February, when Edmonton had a week of -30 degree Celcius weather. Walking outside didn’t feel good, but the light for drawing was lovely: bright and crisp. I fudged the beak lines and my white gel pen fix is a bit botchy, but overall, I feel happy when I see the drawing, so I framed it!
I also added some exotic and colourful birds to my sketchbook (5.5 x 8 in) last month and posted these a few days ago on Instagram.
Fantastic, Myriam. Is it any wonder we are in love with birds?!
Enjoy the upcoming week.
Best,
Tanja
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Birds come in so many amazing colours and shapes. Every once in a while, I see a photo on the web of a bird that is new to me and my brain goes “wow, that bird exists!?”. And their feathers and wings… Captivating!
Have you been enjoying fall migration in your area? I just popped over to your blog and saw some beautiful grasshopper photos. Neat! I’m off to learn more… ๐
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I feel the same way about birds! Some are so exquisite they don’t seem to be real.
Fall migration has not been pronounced this year, which has been attributed to a very hot and dry late summer and early fall. Some birds seem to stay in the mountains longer, as the conditions are so mild, and then they might bypass us for more southern climes. I am curious to learn of the experts’ explanation once all the data come in.
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Interesting. It makes sense that migration timing would vary from year to year because of the weather. I’m curious about the expert explanation too. It has been many years since I’ve lived in a place long enough to notice seasonal differences between years. I just occasionally hear what long time dwellers say.
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Wonderful colors! They sparkle. (K)
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Thanks, Kerfe! I had fun with making dots with my white gel pen! ๐
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Lovely work – thank you so much for sharing these!
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Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! ๐
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I was looking through your blog earlier today. Iโve become enamored with the idea of nature journaling, and I love seeing your drawings!!
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If you are interested, the Cornell Lab Bird Academy has a sale on a nature journalling and field sketching class that ends today.
https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/nature-journaling-and-field-sketching/
I just signed up! Hopefully, I will commit some time to it!
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Thanks so much! I was actually tempted to sign up for that course. Sounds like a good one! But Iโm waiting for the time being, as I have just discovered a vast number of wonderful (free) videos and resources of all kinds about nature journaling by John Muir Laws. If you havenโt seen him, itโs really worth checking out all the things he does. I love his approach!
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I got the John Muir Laws’ Guide to Drawing Birds when I first started drawing birds and I found it very helpful. I still use it as a bird anatomy reference. There is a section in the back on field sketching techniques and materials. I think I’ll give it a thorough read one of these days. I haven’t seen his videos but now I’m curious to check them out!
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I also discovered Lawsโ book first, and only later found his trove of videos on his website. Really enjoy listening to and watching him โin personโ.
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P.S. Iโd love to hear your feedback about the Cornell course, and (of course!) see examples of the nature journaling you create for the course โบ๏ธ
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Thanks for that bit of motivation! I’ll keep it in mind. I’d love to see your nature journaling too!
Happy bird drawing ๐
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Enjoy!
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Wonderful! Love your birdies! Indeed, they are frame-worthy!
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Thanks, Carol! They do add some joyful splashes of colour to my walls! ๐
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So accurate and you are so talented.
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Thanks, Cindy! I’m delighted that you like the drawings! ๐
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your birds are just great!
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Thanks, Marian! They are such a treat to draw and share! I’m looking forward to seeing the feathered beauties from The Wednesday Studio tomorrow! ๐
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Wow! Love how you did your hummingbird with the soft muted background. It looks awesome framed! All your birds are fabulous!! ๐ฆ๐
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Thanks, Jill! I’m thrilled that you like my birds! I’m trying to draw more backgrounds… they give more ambiance! ๐๐
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The hummingbird really looks jeweled – I like the effect a lot, and also the way you kept the flowers in the background nice and soft. Good for you for framing it. Love the tanager, too. Happy weekend!
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Thanks for your kind comments, Lynn! I’m always interested to read what stands out for you in my illustrations. You have a great eye! (Well, two, but…) ๐
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That’s nice to hear, thank you!
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