#11 Study of Two Pigeons

8" x 10" mixed media on watercolor paper

This is Beetle (on the right) and Robert on the railing of our porch right outside from where I paint. I tried to capture them being sweet with each other. This is the same porch that I have the large cage from which I nursed her back to health.  I keep the cage door open and put food in there once a day.  They both go in to eat and then hang out throughout the day on the railing.  I have read that pigeons mate for life but that must only be in the complete wild as I have seen otherwise in our flock.

#10 Study: Pigeon Turning

!0" x 8" mixed media on watercolor paper

I'm further enjoying the crayons and house paints.  The combo seems perfect for these quick studies.    Instead of a pastel sketch then a separate oil painting ---I draw quickly then paint directly over my marks. It's really quite fun. I'm tempted to add some regular acrylic paints for more color variety but I'm challenging myself for now to keep the palette simple with just the three colors and white.

Study: Jar of Safflower Seed

10" x 8" mixed media on watercolor paper

Our pigeons favorite treat is safflower seeds.  This is a jar that I keep by the door to the back porch. All I have to do is shake it and they come right away.

I did this with caran d'ache (water soluble crayons) and house paints.  Some of my first paintings were done with house paint. I often return to this medium, it's feels refreshingly uncomplicated. I keep the palette simple---red, yellow, blue and white.