Saw Whet Owl Painting

I just finished a new 'yard bird' painting, the Saw Whet Owl. This painting is in dedication to the owl that flew into my window last week. Although she was quickly taken in by a specialist she passed away a few days ago. I feel so lucky to have seen her so close, in fact it was the first time I have seen a Saw Whet in the wild.

 -Bill

Ornithological Painting

I really enjoy looking at all the different illustration styles of famous ornithological painters such as John James Audubon, David Sibley and one of my personal favorites, Roger Tory Peterson.

The thought occurred to me that it could be a lot of fun to try to come up with my own style of ornithological illustration based on primarily on photos,  yet referencing work from some of the greats.

My goal is to create paintings that not only show the important identification features, but also creating a bird that has some life and action to it. I feel like I want to be somewhere between Audubon animated style and Sibley's refined hyper accurate reference style, maybe leaning a bit more towards Sibley.

The only criteria, I am limiting myself to birds identified withing the boundaries of my property.

Here are my first two attempts, super fun and quick. I cant wait to fall into a groove and find my style. These are painted with acrylic on Gessoed Masonite, 8x10".
-Bill

Mt Katahdin Summit, Baxter State Park

We had awesome weather and declared this as the most exciting, beautiful and challenging hike we have been on. I highly suggest taking this one on if your looking for a challenge both mentally and physically.

Baxter Peak, summit of Katahdin

The Knife Edge section awaits

This image gives good scale and shows how you literally hike on the top edge, on all fours manytimes.

Zoomed further out you can see the scale of Baxter peak on the extreme right

Making our way along the Knifes Edge between Baxter and Pamola peaks. The mountain has claimed 19 lives since 1963, mostly from exposure in bad weather and falls from the Knife Edge. For about 3/10 of a mile the trail is 3 feet wide, with a drop off on either side.

Epic reflection, what you can't see are the 20+ other photographers from all over the country

This guy, trail named Highlife, just finished the entire Appalachian Trail, all 2,184 miles of it at this very moment, it took him just under 6 months.

This trail has proved fatal 19 times

Classic Roaring Brook

We even saw a moose!

-Bill