Saturday, October 3, 2009

Busy, Busy, Busy

I have been really busy - I didn't realize how busy, until I was through with all I had to get done and then I didn't know what to do with myself. So here I am!

I have been volunteering on Fridays for the Raptor Free Flight program at The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It has got to be one of the coolest things I've ever done. The people are all incredibly nice and the birds are amazing. I'm sure I will be posting more on the subject as the season progresses and we start handling the birds more. So far my favorites are the Barn Owls and the Chihuahuan Ravens. I will absolutely be drawing a barn owl soon!

My Pygmy Owl drawing was juried in to an art exhibition at Sundust Gallery which opens Saturday, October 9th in Mesa Arizona.

I have been drawing these little hummingbirds for an upcoming show at the Tubac Center of the Arts, It is a holiday exhibition of small works called " Little Treasures". I will find out on the 16th of Oct. if they are juried in. I added a touch of iridescent powder to these for the color, which is perfect for the hummers beautiful little iridescent feathers. I hope they take them, I love going to Tubac.
"Nesting" 5 1/2" x 8"

"Out on a Limb" 4" x 7 1/4"

"Play Time" 5 1/2" x 8"

"Resting Place" 5 " x 8"

24 comments:

Unknown said...

These are gorgeous: the detail, the composition and the ever so important less is more make them irresistible. Well done!

Grahame Butler said...

These are fantastic Jennie, makes me want to have a go myself, love the effect you have achieved, well done.

Jennie Norris said...

Thank you Grahame, and Sheona as well. These were so much fu to do, I can honestly say this was the most fun I've had drawing in a while and I think I will keep going with the theme - I will do some other birds as well.

And yes, Sheona a believe that less is more definitely applies here. Thank you so much!! By the way, Your horse is absolutely magnificent I keep going back to your page and staring at it. It is one of those exceptional pieces that stands out among all others, bravo!!!!

Karen Hargett said...

What at treat! I love the hummers and the composition for each you have used. What little jewels they are. It's great to see a post from you - glad to hear you are keeping busy.

Jeanette Jobson said...

These are gorgeous pieces. So delicate and perfect. I shall be back to see more.

Erik van Elven said...

Excellent, beautiful composition and I love the details. What a great idea to add the powder.

Jennie Norris said...

Thank you Karen and Jeanette - I'm glad you both like them. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment! It means a lot, and is greatly appreciated.

Jennie Norris said...

Thank you Eric, Funny I was just looking at your paintings on Picasaweb and when I came back you had just left a comment! Thank you, and may I say your paintings are beautiful, I especially like the wolves!!

kerrie said...

Hi Jennie. I have a silly question (or two). First, when you do the graphite wash, what kind of media do you use? I use bristol with graphite myself, but have not tried the wash on this. 2nd, did you draw the paper edge or is that the actual paper edge?

Jennie Norris said...

Hi Kerrie - Hope all is well, we need to have another outing, maybe the zoo this time??

Whether I'm using the liquid graphite or just pencils, I always use 300 lb. hot press watercolor paper. I like it because it is really heavy and you can beat it up without it ripping etc. I also like the slight tooth on it. I have tried using washes on bristol and it works good-It usually comes out darker than on WC paper.

I like to tear my edges and float them in my frames. So yes they are torn not drawn! I had to do a little photoshopping on them because they looked bad in my photos.

Teresa Mallen said...

These are absolutely beautiful! I agree with what has said about composition and less is more. Great work!! I look forward to seeing the barn owl.

Krista Hasson said...

These are outstanding, your detail is perfect and I love the white backgrounds, they really pop! I also love the torn edge really nice touch

Jennie Norris said...

Thank you both, Teresa and Krista, for the kind words and for taking the time to stop in!!

Ana Márquez said...

Oh, now these birds are nice! Congratulations. I cannot get a realisme like them in my drawings. I learn much to see your work. Thank you for share it with us.

Sorry for my poor English, I write you from Spain, in Europe :-) Greetings!

Kelley said...

Oooh, these are beautiful. I love hummingbirds, and you captured their delicacy so well.

Jennie Norris said...

Ana, Thanks so much - No need to apologize, your English is much better than my Spanish : )


Kelley, Thank you as well - I 'm glad you like : )

Wendy Mould AFCA said...

I love your birds, the composition is so delicate and simple but very eye catching.
I have enjoyed reading about your graphite wash, I use 2 ply Rising Museum Board to draw on and I am going to give it a try.

Brenda Hill CDM said...

Hi Jennie, I want to congratulate you on all of your good news. Good luck on your juried show the birds are beautiful

Jennie Norris said...

Thanks Wendy, let me know how it works out on the museum board and have fun!!!

Brenda, thanks for stopping by!!

Kathleen Coy said...

Jennie, thank you so much for your kind comments about Sami's portrait. It's funny, I've often struggled with backgrounds myself, (although it's getting better) so your compliments are very much appreciated.

I adore your hummers! Such sweet little birds...I have them here all summer. I'm working on an 18 x 24" painting of one, and it's been interesting making such a tiny bird so big! :-)

Gary Keimig said...

very nice blog and really wonderful art.
Great job

Jennie Norris said...

Gary, Thanks so much!!

Kathleen said...

Very lovely! Nice expression and I love the subtle colors =)

m1 Designs said...

Hope your 2010 is off to a good start.