The Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) on an Eastern White Pine branch was done to gypsy music, GYPSY PASSION by Sergei Trafanov and GYPSY EYES by The Fancy Toys. The energy of the music was a good match for this neo-tropical warbler’s movements…a fitting finale! I sketched from a photo by John Van de Graaff.

My challenge was to intersperse writing with the pen/ ink/watercolor illustrations of neo-tropical warblers. This is the INTRODUCTION to the Bonding With The Landscape Series: Children learn when their senses are stimulated. This stimulation assists in their appreciation and understanding of the natural world and their relationship to it. Sensory journeys into diverse habitats create a natural bonding with the plants and animals that live there, reinforcing familiarity and fostering trust. The sounds, smells, colors, and nuances mingle inside the mind/body of the child and eventually become the grounding force that brings happiness, a sense of being, belonging, and longing. This series contributes to the critical discussion on the development of an ecological conscience and it ‘a relationship to an ecologically sound and responsible society. This critical resource is recommended for students, teachers, parents, grandparents, school guidance counselors, naturalists, and environmental educators.

Can’t believe it is day 90 and a beautiful day at that! Happy Easter! Day 81: Rolling mill, metal word “Hope”. Use more pressure next time, aluminum is really too soft to use in rolling mill; Day 82: Rolling mill, decorative leave, one time use, I was surprized at how much detail I got from such a delicate leaf; Day 83: Rolling mill, decorative soft metal keys, didn’t work well; Day 84: Used a cut-off disk in my flex-shaft, learning curve for control, I can see a lot of potential; Day 85: Used dapping punches in a dapping block; Day 86: Hammered old coins with brass hammer on steel block; Day 87: Taped washers to copper piece and hit with brass hammer on steel block; Day 88: Rolling mill, thread, I like it, who knew it would leave such a good texture?; Day 89: Hammered the copper piece, with brass hammer, on part of the deck, very little texture; Day 90: Hammered copper piece on old file with two textures on each side, first side.

My dad pointed out how beautiful the bright yellow tennis ball looks against the blue sky. This is seen when tossing the ball up for a serve. I wanted to capture that moment in a painting. It took many re-dos to get what I wanted. This is done in acrylic and is 20 x 24.

During this polar vortex winter, our little miniature dauschund Ginger was often curled up in her bed if we were in the kitchen. She looked so warm and cozy in contrast to the outdoor scene. I tried to take a photograph of this but it was impossible due the difference in exposure required for indoors versus outdoors. So, I just HAD to paint it! The door invites you to go outside, but actually can’t be opened due to the snow on the deck. Also, the dog bed, dog, and draft stopper are in the way. Too much trouble, but it’s too cold out there anyway. Stay indoors, warm and cozy. This is painted in acrylic and is 16 x 20.

I worked on the first four warbler illustrations from day 1-36 then switched to writing narrative for these neo-tropical wood warblers. It took awhile to get comfortable with the transition. When I started writing, I missed the music of illustrating (literally and figuratively). When I resumed illustrating on day 75 with the Magnolia and Canada Warblers, I couldn’t stop thinking about new narrative. I’m learning to appreciate and respect the balance necessary to accomplish my goal of illustrating and writing the Bonding With The Landscape Series.

“Leave me be!” COMPLETED!
Sadly the Art in Bloom Event was cancelled so it doesn’t have a home now.
Now I will try and get one more work completed before The 100 Day Project Ends!