Mary Jo

We are fortunate to have a number of trees in our yard and all around us in our urban neighborhood.  There are lots of pine trees, we have hickory trees in our yard and a water oak as well as dogwood and red mulberry.  I'm trying to plant more native shrubs and some smaller native trees and just added a pollinator garden inner front yard which has been fun to watch the butterflies and hummingbirds flying around and enjoying the nectar. We have numerous bird baths which I try to keep clean and one fountain for the birds as well.  They definitely love the water!  I have a number of bird feeders and we really enjoy watching the birds at our feeders.  We were lucky to have a young barred owl in our oak tree this spring that hung out during the day and slept and would occasionally decide to perch on our fence and the top of our patio umbrella-we called her Sage.  She has since moved on but we hear owls frequently.  I have to say I am enjoying the process of trying to make our yard more bird, and insect friendly.  I still have some ornamental shrubs and trees but adding more native plants is a goal for me.        

I I have really enjoyed this course.  I love seeing all of the other paintings from the group!  I admit  feeling a little timid about the watercolor process but it boils down to practice for sure!

This is so pretty!  I love the details on the warbler as well as the branch and leaves.  I agree with you about waiting for watercolors to dry in between layers.  I have learned so much from this course and have really enjoyed the process.

Love it!  I agree that this course is so cool and especially the sharing of our drawings and learning new techniques.  I have really been enjoying it.