Ink and Wash Mini Landscape

My BIG accomplishment for the day - postage stamp size landscape done between phone calls. 

Inspired by Ian King - Watercolour Tips

Tombow marker pen and waterbrush on standard paper.

Hummer on Plant Stake #2 - Graphite Sketch

I've managed to complete the second sketch following my two favorite photographs shared a few posts back.  Out of literally 100s of photos taken in the course of one day, these two I've chosen to sketch are by far my all time favorites.

Again using the side of my pencil (4B) for most of the work and point for fine tuning and darkening in some areas.  I did use an 8B for the darkest part of the tail and for the darkest ring around the eye (not noted on sketch).

Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper, 6x6".  I really like the tooth on this paper!

Hummer on Plant Stake - Graphite Sketch

WOW..............#2 for the day.............I'm on a roll :-D

Thought I would use a different paper for this sketch rather than using my sketchbook.  Sketched on Strathmore Bristol Vellum 6 x 6"

#4B Derwent Sketch pencil (dry) using side of point for most of the sketch.

Following one of my photos I shared a few posts back.

Bit of Sketching - Nests

Can't believe how many days/weeks have passed and I've not done anything.  Today I finally did a little bit of sketching.  It's a start, anyways.

Med (4B) pencil in Handbook sketchbook.

Started out right to left sketching the mud dauber tubes or whatever one calls them and then the web worm nest that is popping up all over the place in the trees.  Some areas worse than others.  Last thing I did was add the mud dauber, which turned out a little larger than I had planned.

Went over some areas with a water brush (pencil is water soluble graphite).

Babies Gone

Well..........I knew it was close ......... guessing tomorrow or Saturday but they chose to leave today while I was at work :-(  Talk about a huge feeling of loss. 

Before I left for work, I checked in on the baby wrens and sometime before noon, they took their leave.  My son had gone down to do some work on a washer and like me would check in on them.  He called me to say they were gone - no signs anywhere to include the mom and dad.

It's been a big part of my day from the time they started building the nest till now.  I will sure miss them.  It's like me having a second set of kids that have grown up and left the nest.

Long Absence

Seems like forever since I last posted anything.  We were hit by lightening a couple of weeks ago......or I should say my computer was hit along with my son's router and the other evening his kitchen stove.  We've experienced some really bad storms this year; and, even with all the electronic protection, we still got zapped.  So I've been down while waiting to have my computer repaired and re-installing programs.

In the interim, the baby birds that hatched are 10 days old.  I've been watching them daily grow from naked little things to these darling fluff balls with developing wings.  It's been quite an experience watching mom and dad carry on the task of feeding four hungry and growing youngsters.  It's just unbelievable to have been given the opportunity to watch the parents build their nest, to laying eggs, seeing the babies hatch, and now them growing.  By this weekend according to what I've researched, these little fluff balls should be ready to test their wings.

Along with watching the wrens, we've had hummingbirds like we've never had before.  Nothing like standing there and having near a dozen hummers battling all around you.  So close you can feel the breeze from their wings.  A couple hovering in front of my face checking me out and sitting within a couple of inches from me on the feeders.  This has been incredible for us this year!!!

Hopefully I'll feel up to drawing and painting some of what I've been experiencing soon.  :-D