Flamingos in Motion #3

Flamingo in Motion #3 8.5" x 5.5" marker on paper


This is actually quite a small sketch but something about its simplicity really strikes me. I want to integrate my drawings with color eventually but I'm not sure how yet. I've been thinking a lot about the Lascaux caves along with Matisse's cut-outs, much to think about and do. 

Flamingo in Motion #2

Flamingo in Motion #2 11" x 9 marker on paper


Another take on a Flamingo bending down to drink water. In case anyone is wondering I'm using Chartpak Fine Tip Ad Markers, the warning on the side of the marker says 'this product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer,' thank goodness I live in Washington, I won't be getting cancer. All jokes aside, if you use these markers, don't get them on your hands and wash vigorously if you do. I used them inside once and my boyfriend Dave couldn't stand it, I didn't notice the noxious fumes- so protip: use these cancer pens outside.

Flamingo in Motion #1

Flamingo in Motion 13.5" x 10" marker on paper


Because of the limits of observation and memory, I've been looking at motion; nothing stays still for very long. I tend to look and draw immediately what I see, line allows for immediate response from observation.

Mr. Gregory Peck the Swan

 Mr. Gregory Peck the Swan 12" x 16.75" marker on paper


Another take on Gregory Peck, resident swan of the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. My favorite part of this sketch is the head turn, a little suggestion of movement. Usually their bodies are quite stationary but they're constantly moving their heads back and forth. Since all my sketches are from observation, I keep thinking about the data that I'm receiving from the scene, like what's there that I can use.

Flamingos in Repose

 Flamingos in Repose 16" x  12" marker on paper


People always mention how weird their legs are, they look like stilts. They stand like this to keep warm. Flamingos can stand like this for hours, even while sleeping. I heard a weird fact the other day, a dead flamingo can stand on its own.

GBH #5

GBH #5 12" x 16" marker on paper


I'm always trying to catch when the heron is moving his head. These GBH drawings are really just about movement and also how the silhouette changes with that movement.
Ps. whoo!! 30 days of straight posting so proud of myself. 

GBH #4

GBH #4 12" x 16" marker on paper


Here's the Great Blue Heron getting out of his roosting position to get a better look at the humans being let in.