Signs Of Spring

I saw a Quail in my yard the other day poking around underneath a fir tree.

Our snow is melting and lately we are having warmer temperatures in the 40’s. It felt like signs of Spring and inspired me to create this mixed media collage in my sketchbook:

I know the male Quail has the top plume but I couldn’t resist giving him a dress! I drew the Quail’s head and feet.

I was also inspired by the collage artist, Katherine Streeter. I hope you check out her art at KatherineStreeter.com She is also on Instagram. She has a playful style that I really enjoy. She helped me “think outside the box.”

Happy Weird Bird Wednesday!

May you be inspired to create something different today!

Cheers! 😃

Spotted Quail

I spotted a Quail in my yard the other day. I just love watching them skitter across the yard always on the look out for my cat!

Today’s weird bird resembles a Quail:

Perhaps it is a Spotted Quail?

Did you know the little apostrophe on top of both male and female‘s heads is called a plume or topknot? The male’s plume is more pronounced.

Happy Weird Bird Wednesday!

Cheers! 🙂

Hoorah, Hoorah! It’s Draw A Bird Day!

Laura at Create Art Everyday – inspired me to create this bird for today!  Be sure to check out her blog for a list of all the FABULOUS artists who are participating in this monthly, “Draw A Bird” challenge.

So here is my collaged California Quail in my art journal:

I started by doing a quick sketch in pencil:

I then added an assortment of collage papers to create my quail:

I used a variety of papers such as sheet music, postage stamps, a recipe, map, a photo of a fish head, rick rack packaging – to name a few!  Can you find them?

I finished by outlining my quail with a black pen and adding some water soluable wax pastel crayons to the background with a little water:

Have a happy day!  🙂

Quail Eggs

Years ago, I had a California Quail lay eggs in my lavender.  I didn’t know it until they had hatched.  Apparently, Quail hens like to lay their eggs close to the ground.

Above are quail eggs I created in watercolor, pan pastels and color pencil.

This memory got me thinking about how to attract birds to my yard.  So I googled it and found this great article on “Landscaping Tips for a Bird Friendly Yard.”

The three basics (hence the 3 eggs…) are food, water and shelter.  The article goes into greater detail if you are interested.  I learned a thing or two – hope you will too.  🙂

I took these photos of my yard today – Enjoy!

The above is a crab apple tree in full bloom.  Can you find the bee?

I like to grow my own herbs to add to my cooking.  The above photo are chives and oregano.  The chive flowers are just starting to open.

The blueberries (above) are in bloom.  Looks like we are going to have a good crop this year!

Just love the sweet scent of Honeysuckle!  I planted the above plant to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to my yard.

Hope you have a happy day!  🙂