Twenty days of bird studies

I been doing small bird studies every day this month, thanks to the “20 for 20 Art Challenge” hosted by the excellent Learn to Paint Podcast. The challenge consists of doing 20 minutes of art daily for 20 days. As I’m about to move out of state and have lots of logistics to deal with, so the 20-minute approach is a good way to get a little art in my day. I chose to draw and study birds and also play with a loose approach to watercolor. A few favorites:

I love the burst of color and energy of this little winter bird.

A pair of mockingbirds took over our yard when they had a nest, chasing and harassing neighbor cats, squirrels, other birds, and me.

I exaggerated color and kept the painting loose and lively.

Trying to integrate the bird in the background. I focused on the colors and design of these pages.

Just one my favorite backyard birds. A singer!

Studying owl eyes.