Meadowlark

No, I haven’t forgotten my “Somewhere in Wyoming” picture, but as we are installing new floors in the back half of the house, my studio and supplies are packed up.  All I have left are a few paints and brushes, and a couple of smallish sketch books.  So, small things, done without the need for too much planning.  And, truthfully, with the whole house in chaos, it’s probably for the best.

That said, this morning I was listening to the birds singing.  The springtime songs are everywhere.  When I was a child, I lived in rural Illinois, surrounded by huge oaks and wide open fields.  In the fields were the meadowlarks, brilliantly colored and beautiful singers.  The notes of the meadowlark are memorable and unmistakable.  I found some photos, and hodge-podged one together.  I am not really good at drawing animals, so birds are always a bit of a challenge.

The watercolor, without lines.

And with some inking done, for contrast and a bit of structure.  I’m not sure if either really works well, or if there should be more color above the meadowlark instead of plain white paper.  What do you think?