Resting up to Race

Gouldian Finch, in progress ©St. Hilaire Nelson
The day before the race, I tried to relax and not exert myself in the FL heat! I walked the dogs a few times in the morning, but in the afternoon I settled in to the small table top in our RV and worked on a bird for my Carnival of the Animals series.

I packed my portable art bag, the very same one I took to the dance competition. I also packed a 12x12 bird, which was pre sketched and painted on an American Easel Wood Painting Panel, which I primed with clear gesso so that I could leave the wood grain showing.

New Work

A Few Last Birds

top: Winter Tufted Titmouse, 9x12 | middle: European Robin, 12 x 9 | bottom: Florida Scrub Jay 12x9

I am going to be taking a break from birds. I've decided to do some small fruit pieces next, 8x8. And then on to 20x24 for more detailed work. I feel like I have done all the birds I can handle for a while, time to mix it up.

Here are the last couple of birds for a while, these were produced late last night and into the wee hours of this morning.