Diane

I am pleased with the improvements from the sketch to the watercolor.  My sense of proportion is much better!  Adding color makes a world of difference. I tried stippling and utilizing negative space which were helpful.  I could be more patient in mixing colors and applying layers.  I definitely need more practice with the wash technique and chiaroscuro.  Overall, a successful journey!

This is probably the most difficult lesson yet.  I am trying to capture details rather than shapes and forms. The only bird who stayed for any length of time was the Northern flicker that stretched itself sideways to reach suet in the feeder. A hairy woodpecker made a nice display of his back.  The chickadees and titmouse moved so quickly I barely had a beak or head shape drawn.  I will need lots more practice with gesture drawing, specifically relaxing and keeping the pencil moving.

The weather kept me indoors so I observed 2 of my house plants.  It was fun to discover the different aspects of these plants I see and care for daily. And a lovely spider dropped by for a visit.  I am trying to play with light and shadow to do more justice to the subjects.