Great Horned Owl - Small Works

Great Horned Owl -  I should have this piece finalized by the end of the day.  I have one more 8" x 10" Barn Owl in fight I must finish before days end as well.   I'll be spraying the final coat over five paintings in one sitting before weeks end then off to the framer.


For those not familiar with specifics on this bird I'll add this  information:


Great Horned Owl: Bubo virginianus L. 22" Wing Span 44"
Wt. 3.1 lb. (1,400 g)


Range, North America with exception to some  extreme northern reaches of Eastern Canada.  As in other owls, females average browner and more heavily marked than males. Birds in the western interior region are generally pale and  grayish in tone.  Southwest population very pale  and pacific populations are very dark.


They are found in wooded areas, mountain forest, desert canons, marches, city parks, and urban areas.


One of the earliest spring nesting birds, eggs may be laid in January or February through April. They will use abandoned stick nests of Herons or other Raptors, but will also nest in rock alcoves, tree hollows, building which are abandoned or even sometimes on the ground.
They usually lay 2-3 white eggs though sometimes up to 6.  The young fledge from the nest at 45-55 days old and can live greater than 12 years.  


They hunt at night generally but occasionally at daylight.  They hunt by sound to get a fix on the prey.  Their diet consists of squirrels, shrews, jackrabbits, mice, muskrats, skunks gophers, snakes and much much more!  So, if you have a domestic cat, please beware!  Snoockums could be the next tasty bit on this birds diet.  

Great Horned Owl - On the easel

This little painting is one of two paintings I've been working on for the last several weeks.  Plenty of interruptions, (life just does that).  A little about my method or madness here.  Firstly, it's an acrylic on Amperstand Claybord, 5" x 7".  The background simply airbrushed in.  The drawing over the top of the background then white paint over the subject area.  I don't care to paint the animal in over color.  The underneath color seems to wash out the colors on top. (to me flatten them.)  This method is ever so different than working in oil.  I like working with the wash of colors underneath to enhance the final outcome with oil.  (Flemish, some my recognize as my classical training in oil here)  I do think (time permitting) it would be interesting to try color washes that would read well.  I love seeing paintings with lovely nuances of color showing through.  However, they are generally painted in oil.  Something indeed to think about.  Warm or cool color on the other hand can be washed over the top of the final piece to "Pop or Drop" subject matter.  That's a lot of fun! 


I'll have to admit that I am not following my recent workshop teachings with Terry Isaac on this one.  I really don't like working over mid tones.  Or from dark to light.  I'm often feeling as if I am working backwards with acrylic vs. oil.  

Bobcat and Cubs

This is an awesome sight!  Bobcat and four cubs!
It's apparent that she has had an excellent year so far to have so many.  This family will return again and again to this site.  The food source and water are there.  The rocks and boulders offer privacy and protection to raise this liter.  This is just one of many who have returned year after year since around 1992.


Many of my paintings of Bobcats have come from this location.   Wild Bobs!  Oh so cool !


I have started a drawing from this group of photo references.   For balance in composition however, I have chosen Mother and two cubs.   I'll be painting this one in acrylic.  I might not start the painting for a month or two, but it goes without saying the passion is there and I am itching to start it.


I've had to put several I've started aside to date for deadlines.   The 5" x 7" Great Horned Owl piece is almost finished.  (I'll post it once complete)  I'll begin this weekend on a 4" x 4" painting of a Saw Whet Owl.   Then it's on for a new deadline.


I've ordered some books from Amazon.com and have a project that is very exciting.  I'll need to research this subject matter completely before I even think about starting the painting.   I'm thinking about doing an underwater scene, something I have never attempted before.   


Jerry and I will be traveling a short distance to Catalina for Kayaking, Snorkeling and such.  Underwater camera gear..... Hmmmmm!   I love how the light rays dance through the water bouncing the most fascinating designs across whatever it hits.  I think it would be wonderful to be able to paint the luminosity of light and abstract design.    Always the challenges that keep this job fresh!

Today I'll finish the leaves and flowers in the foreground of the Grey Squirrel.  I've yet to name this piece.  Often names simply do not pop up in my head.  Why is that?  


Perhaps it's because I am so excited about creating a new painting today.  I do like starting new paintings.  There is an element of enthusiasm associated with a new creations!  Of course I also have to pull off the vision in my head of it.  The challenge is often that which drives me.   


I'll pull out all the envelopes of photos compiled for each new concept and make the very difficult decision of which I should paint first.   Wolves?  Raptors?  Skunks?  More Owls?  


The one thing I think I miss about oil painting is that I can start as many as I want because there is the "dry time" factor.   It's truly a great excuse!  With acrylic, I'm finding that's not necessary.  But, I'm still starting one after another.   I do love putting those ideas down in concrete and committing to them.

Domestic Cat ? Final painting

Completed "Jay" and now back to the Grey Squirrel.


I rarely paint flowers.  Not sure why,  I love flowers.  The Squirrel will have Silver Dollar Flowers it it.  My backyard is almost solid with them in early April through the end of May.    


It's foggy this morning.  The June gloom coming in from the beach fog has backed up and rolls over the mountains tops.  I love when it begins to lighten up and the sun rays begin to glow through.   I'll have my camera ready when and if it does today.


The fog is a good thing for me as I would much rather be outside taking reference photos.


I'm very much liking this acrylic.  I think I've learned a lot by just keeping on task with it.  "Jay" was painted on Amperstand Clayboard.  I'm finding that the clayboard absorbs the paint too much.   It's difficult  obtaining crisp clean color.   For my next endeavor,  I will roller on a coat of gesso and see that eliminates this issue.   The one thing I have noticed seeing other paintings in acrylic is that it does not have the luminosity and glow that can be achieved with oils.    I have a goal to prove this does not have to be.

Domestic Cat ? On the Easel........

One more on the easel.  This new piece is an acrylic on board.  The background has been air brushed in and the cat is in the rough stage of base coat.  The painting is an 8" x 10" in size.  Generally, I do like to paint in the eyes first.  Giving some life to a piece helps me feel the subject I'm working on.   I'll post as this piece progresses. 


Happy Memorial Weekend to all.  I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather.  Sunny California has certainly seen it's share of clouds and rain this spring.

Black Bear - On the easel.............

I've chosen these two bear cubs for an 9" x 12" oil on canvas.  Here I'm just starting the base coat.  After the base coat dries I will begin defining more detail in a second coat.     


The reference for these juveniles were taken at a location in Idaho.     I've produced a number of paintings from this trip.  Who can resist babies! 


It would be lovely to take another trip up that way.
Early to mid June is a great time to capture all the babies.   


It was in Yellowstone that I captured some amazing baby photos of Elk, Moose...........  


Of course, it's also a bit nerve racking to attempt to hike with all the Mothers in protective mode.   I did little hiking that year!!!!!!!  Grizzlies were out in numbers looking for easy marks making hiking simply out of the question for me.   


I'll post the progress on this piece as it develops.       Oh and again, I'd like to thank all of those who have emailed or posted comments.   They are always a pleasure and welcome!

On the Easel..... Grey Squirrel in Silver Dollar Plants

Several years ago a virus plagued our community and almost wiped out an entire population of Grey Squirrel.  Also effected were song birds, Mountain Banded Tailed Pigeons and who knows what else.


It's been at least two years since having the pleasure of watching these little comedians grace my deck and yard.


About a month ago, I saw one little one dashing up our street and head for the woods.  I was delighted to see it.  I'm hoping there is a mate somewhere close by and spring has brought us new little ones.   I've not seen any since and the babies would certainly be out in full force by now.  They breed a couple of times a year.


The photo references for this painting came from my backyard.  I had hiked down to the yard for photos of the most amazing year in blooms from the Silver Dollar Plant.  Lovely flowers in mass.


Of course, it was not uncommon to find my little friends there as well burying peanuts.  They will do anything for a peanut!  Hence the poses that day offered up by these little guys and gals.   It was a great group of photos indeed.  


The background on this piece was scumbled in and the med-ground painted in.  I've yet to paint in the flowers.   Updates as it progresses...............  

Flying Squirrel ~ On the Easel........... cont............

Moving along slowly..........  still more work to do on his hair and other fine details.


Mustering the motivation to paint when spring is calling is most difficult. The view of the forest and birds at the two feeders reminds me I need to get outdoors!    I need a hiking buddy for short excursions!!    Rain again on Sunday and Monday...........    so perhaps I can think about painting feverishly then right? lol, lol.........  :- )

Flying Squirrel ~ On the Easel...........

Here's the update on the Barn Owl and Flying Squirrel painting.


I've spent a good portion of the day putting in tiny little hairs on the squirrel.


I hope to have this second layer completed so that it may dry enough to begin all over again next Tuesday.


In order for the hair to look real and thick, there will be many layers alternating color in this coat.


For those who have not seen one in person, their hair is much like a Chinchilla in feel and looks.


The last few nights, I have been able to hear them chirping in the woods behind the house.  They bred in Feb. and I'm sure the kids are out with Mom learning all the skills they will need to survive out there.


Fortunately, I have not heard the owls as of late.   The tree thinning pretty much frightened them off.
(Good for the squirrels, sad for me as I enjoy both)


Once he is looking real enough then back to the Barn Owl feathers....... Now that's a job!!!!!!  :- )

Barn Owl, 9" x 12" Acrylic on Board

I love the coloration of the Barn Owl.  Creating a glow around them is a lot easier than some species.  I started this one some time back and had to stop, set it aside for other pieces.    This painting is close to completion at this point.  I'll finish up the details on the owl and move on to the branch that he is preparing to land on in the foreground.  There will be several dead leaves hanging from the branches echoing or repeating the color of the owls back side feathers.


I've yet to name this painting at this point.  I find thinking up names a giant task.   Sometimes a name will come before the drawing is completed and other times, ....... a BLANK!    


I'm already looking forward to starting another American Kestrel piece.  The size is yet to be determined but close to 18" x 10 - 12 ".    I have all the reference photos out and ready to go for the drawing.   While looking through photographs taken at a local water fall, I discovered a picture of a rock slope with beautiful ferns attached to the side in cracks.  Several rocks jet out offering up a lovely location for the Kestrel to land on but carefully. (perhaps to swoop in on a lizard should he be so lucky).  


Then perhaps start another drawing of several wolves and will include water and reflexions.   Several years ago while in The Rocky National Park in CO, I took some photos of a creek.  There are a so many water ways there.  This particular spot was so beautiful with dried grasses glowing and reflecting on the waters surface.   I've seen many places in Yellowstone that looked a lot like this.  (same flora and fauna too).   I'm looking forward to painting more complex pieces with perhaps a story or two in them.  

On the Easel..... Barn Owl and Flying Squirrel painting

I'm back to painting today in the studio having had a couple of days off.
It's time for the barn own and flying squirrel to come to life.  I'll be working on them both before returning to the background and foreground in the painting.


The original idea and drawing included snow on the branches.  I thought that the light color might bring more depth into the painting.  I've obviously not completed that yet, but... the more I visualize the finished piece in my head the snow would indeed strengthen and add even more depth moving the branches  forward and tie the whites in moving down the painting.  


There are many design challenges in working outside the one third rule in a painting.  I seem to like going beyond rules to challenge myself.  It does create more work by going in this direction.   What are rules anyway........  I tend to like breaking them......   Makes for a less boring time of life.  Right?  ..... ha ha ha!    


I have back up on this philosophy!!!!  My oldest son has a Masters in Fine Art and believes that if we artist always follow the rules, it stifles creativity!  I can see his point so clearly!  Though, I'm sure many would disagree.

Dire Wolves and Mammoths

My husband and I often watch the Science Channel and or Nat Geo in the evenings.   A recent documentary on the discoveries made at the La Brea Tar Pits prompted a visit there last Sunday.


The number of preserved fossils and variety found in the Asphalt pits there is the largest in the world.  A few to mention are Dire Wolf, Short-faced Bear, American Lion, Sabertoothed Cat among the Carnivores. Many Herbivores including, Columbian Mammoth, American Mastodon, Ground Sloths, Western Horse, Ancient bison, Dwarf Pronghorn, Extinct Camel.........(really!)


It's hard to imagine this ancient world standing on the grounds among all the high-rises, parking meters and cars honking!    The Museum has done a remarkable job covering the Ecosystem, environment through the periods up to and including the ongoing excavations.


If you are anywhere near the Los Angeles area.  We highly recommend a visit to the museum. 

New Video and New on Facebook..........Plus, new paintings in the works

There is a new video available to watch on Youtube featuring miscellaneous works.  I'd like to thank all of the nice comments and for taking the time to "Rate" the new video and also the video released about 7 months ago.  I really appreciate it.    If anyone wants to "subscribe" please do so.   You will receive updates when new videos come out if you Subscribe as well. 

I have one new video in the works!  This one will be a speed painting.  (Yea, I asked what that was also, ha ha ha!)

Basically, it's a series of photographs taken during the process of completion.   It will probably take a LOT of photos to produce this to make it work.  I'll be curious to see just how many!   The video can be accessed in the same location.

Also, now for all those Facebook users,  I have started a new page there as well for updates and general information new paintings and such.  While on Facebook, search:  "Brenda D. Johnson Wildlife Art"  I believe this type of Facebook page will prompt on your personal pages when updates are inputted.   Those interesting in following can simply click "Become a Fan".  

So yes, new paintings........  Currently, I am working on several. (oil takes drying time so I might have as many as five going)   I'm working on another Barn Owl, (this one in flight).  The Kestrel is in the drawing stage.  The reference for both birds are local scenes.   I love the fact that I can step out my back door and photograph the trees for reference.    

Red Fox

Happy New Year Everyone!  I hope the last year provided some excellent memories for you and this year we are all able to create the most memorable ever!   I wish all good health, and prosperity beyond your dreams! 

I have a list above my drafting table of painting ideas and animals I'd like to paint.  The list is often longer than time allows.  (Isn't that the case with most of us....)     I'll be painting more Raptors this year.        

Several years ago I drew three Red Tailed Hawk chicks in a nest.   I was going to include the female but ran into a creative block with her position and set the whole piece aside to work on other paintings in progress.   This is a piece I'd really love to work out and complete.      I'll probably start work again on it once all the "deadline" work is behind me.   Ugh!  don't you just love deadlines?  ha ha ha! 

The above painting is titled:  "Vole Crazy".   The image is small here but, there are flying bits of snow where this Red Fox is busily digging up one of his favorite niblets!  Voles!As usual,  I'd love to hear from you!  I've received a lot of wonderful comments by email.

I really appreciate them, thank you! 

 

Bobcat

I'm feverishly finishing up things now for the San Bernardino County Museum Annual Wildlife Art Festival.  Days are running out here for me as the show is just next weekend, the 21st and 22nd, November!   The image here is an Acrylic 5" x 7" on board.  This new medium continues to be a challenge for me given that all my classical training has been in Oil.  However, I'm loving it! 

I'm really excited about the new print releases for the show. The larger images will be available on canvas only. The Black Bear given the size (huge) will be offered up in two sizes. The smaller images will be available in either Paper or Canvas all Signed and Numbered Limited Edition.

Youtube slideshow - A New Adventure!

There is a new "Link" to Youtube at the bottom of the blog if you'd like to watch my newest adventure......... I Movie ! What a fun medium to explore.

This piece features misc. works from spans of work covering about 7 - 8 years. I'd love to venture on to more challenging video clips. Perhaps a "How To" video featuring a painting from start to finish. This would not only be challenging but also fun to produce.

It takes several months to complete some paintings. So this venture would be somewhat time consuming to film and edit.

Luckily, I have had lots of help with learning this program from friend and Photographer Michael Bates. He has produced some of the finest videos I've ever seen. What talent!

Smiles! Brenda

Black Bear - Tree Hugger

The Tree Hugger is coming along slowly.

Today I'll add in a branch pressed under

his arm and against his lower body.

This lower branch will serve to add

interest and balance to the lower

portion of the painting.

There are lots of little areas that

will be fine tuned after this addition.

I hope everyone is enjoying the

Summer months now! The beach is open down by

the lake. There is lots of summer activities going on

here on the mountain. Finally....the fog has passed

us by and the sun is out! Smiles, Brenda

Black Bear

This piece was started in March and despite nice weather, I've stayed on task. I'd love to go hiking!

The title of this painting is "The Tree Hugger". There is a lot of territory to detail out in this 24" X 36" painting. I'm working with oil too.

Since the weather is so much warmer it seems to be drying well between layers. It's a commissioned piece for a client.

However, I'm liking this one so much, I'm pretty sure I'll have it printed on canvas. Those that have seen it also agree, a print series is a must. I'll post a new photo when it's done. Love to hear your comments! B

Snow Leopard Study

Wild cats have the most fascinating look

on their faces at any given point.

It was 15 African and Asian Cats at a

resident I visited many years ago that

inspired me to take a major turn in

my art career. The fascination still holds

today. This study was painted using

Acrylic on 5" x 7" canvas.

I love the mesmerizing look in her eyes.

For more information on the vanishing Snow Leopard, visit:

http://www.snowleopard.org/ It would be lovely if you would become

a member also to support a very good cause. . . . . . . . . . . . .