I was going to post a different painting today, but was woken up in the early hours of the morning with the wind howling from the north-west, a wind that usually brings rain - so far, nothing.
But with this wind (which is par for the course living in Cape Town) comes the worry of a little sparrow's nest which I can see being whipped around in the branches of the tree. It has already blow down once, and those industrious little feathered friends re-built it. Being Spring, I also think there are chicks in there as both the Mom and Dad are constantly popping in and out.
Now I know this is not a painting of a sparrow, but a pastel of a Black Shouldered Kite which is another of John Kennekam's marvellous photos. Just watching and keeping an eye on that nest, made me think of this one.
and this little nest is the one battling for survival in the high winds.
57 comments:
A beautiful painting, and a very majestic looking subject!
liz,
the 'black shouldered kite' is a beautiful picture...
nice color scheme, good diagonal composition and wonderful execution...
congrats...
Great raptor painting, Liz!
So, it's Spring for you. Spring is my very favorite.
We're into Fall here, and I fear I see Winter sneaking in just around the corner.
Oh Liz, This is beautiful! You have quite a hand for the pastel!...Let's hope that little nest holds tight as your spring winds whip about!
This is so beautiful Liz, I hope that little nest hangs on! I'm glad I'm not the only one who worries about the critters, even the little birds. You have a kind heart.
May your nest hold, Liz! Last night was particularly nasty, and to think I lay worrying about my ivy geraniums! If they break off I can always replant the bits, but for your birds to rebuild is such a hassle!
The painting is lovely and I am sure you are building up a good set of bird sketches!
You are a master of so many mediums..You keep throwing up one good work after another and in different mediums. I am a fan.
This pastel is lovely!
How do the birds and other little creatures survive out there? I guess they just do what they gotta do. I hope the nest holds! Especially if it's got little ones in it!!
Beautiful! I love your birdie. I hope the nest holds up. I always enjoy viewing your beautiful creations:)
This fellow is beautiful, Liz.
These guys work so hard building the nest. Hope it stays up. I love this pastel painting of this bird. He stands so proud and I love his color. Well done Liz. Thank you for visiting my blog. I appreciate it.
According to my blog list, you posted this twelve hours ago... So have they made it this long? We're all waiting and worrying! Meanwhile, that's a wonderfully strong, worry-free kite you've painted -- really beautifully done, Liz.
The painting is beautiful as always. Birds put up with so much to exist
this is gret Liz. I really love that background gray.
Thank you so much Sharon!
A lovely compliment Sethu, thank you.
Ah Dean, Spring and Autumn, my two favourite seasons. Both very short over here (about two days each!) And whenever I draw or paint birds, I think of you and your love of them.
Thank you Saundra - I've decided I really like pastels - next it's collage lessons from you!
An update on the nest. It is still there but looking a bit bedraggled. The wind blew all day yesterday as well and it's nice and quiet this morning. I can see it right now, but the parents haven't visited yet. Maybe they watched the TV last night and saw the forecast for 'gale force winds' on Monday!
Thank you Nancy, from one bunny hugger to another! It's wait and see right now.
I guess my garden looks a bit like yours today, Marie! Broken bits everywhere, but the nest still holds! And thank you!
Ooh Prabal, I love it! My first fan! And a very special talented one at that!
Hi Shelley and thank you. Because Cape Town is on a peninsula, we do get major wind, the Southeaster which brings the Summer and clears the air, and the Northwester which is associated with Winter and rain. If the SEaster blows, my garden is quite sheltered, so no problem. It's just that darned North wind!
You should visit, we also have lots and lots of beaches!
Thank you Carrie, coming from you that's a real compliment. I think your work is superb.
Thank you so much Carol!
Hi Hilda, and thank you!
Yes, it's still there Charlene! Looking the worse for wear. And so true, I've never seen a worried Kite yet!
Thank you so much Tony. I think most animals have to put up with a lot just to survive in today's world!
Thank you Gary. I used pastel paper and chose that particular colour deliberately. It is rather nice isn't it!
This is a great job with pastel Liz, the colors are stunning and I see a special expression in those lovely eyes! The "nest" is an amazing subject to paint which I am half way through right now, I am spending so much of time on the activities of the mom and dad sparrows bringing each grass painstakingly to build their nest.
Hi Padmaja, thank you and I'm looking forward to seeing your 'nest'!
When I saw this in my Google Reader feed I just HAD to come and have a closer look! It's BEAUTIFULLY done and you've really done him proud Liz! A while ago I found an injured juvenile next to the road(you can read about him here : http://www.redbubble.com/people/mareeclarkson/art/6008995-2-black-winged-kite-a-sad-story-sensitive - it's a sad story and I'm glad I managed to get a pic of him, unfortunately not being able to sketch him. Once again, great work!
Wow Liz!!! This is the very best bird you have done!!!!Pastels are very definately your thing!!!!!Really beautiful!!!!
Lovely, Liz! You have a real talent for pastels. Pastels are great for portraying fur and feathers, lets hope this is the first of a series. Hope the little sparrows' nest survives!
j'aime beaucoup travailler au pastel aussi ! cet oiseau est
une belle réussite ! j'aime ce que tu fais !
bisous Liz
Oh this is splendorious!
I love this little bird soooo much,,,
and the birdie nest,,, how is it?
thank you for caring about our feathered friends
love
tweedles
LOVE your pastel work of this beautiful hawk. Superb, Liz!
Hi, I just popped in to say hello, great blog, congratulations!
You can visit mine if you feel like.
Cheers from Argentina!
Humberto.
www.humbertodib.blogspot.com
What a lovely bird! Marvelous expression.
you do very well with pastel.
wow! What a painting! It is a real stunner--I hope the nest stays intact. It is really a twist for me to think of October as "spring"!
Liz, this is a very good painting. Would make a nice card too :)
This is the first time I am seeing a pastel work by you. Happy painting!
so beautiful!
I love your artwork!
you are an ARTIST!
Hugs from Spain
The strength and character in this kestrel's pose and amazing eyes is beautiful, Liz--very well done. I hope your feathered neighbor's nest held.
Oh Liz, this is just beautiful!
Its so interesting the difference in season. I have never realy talked to anyone from the "other side". Its fall here and winter is bringing up from behind. This is a lovely painting
Absolutely gorgeous pastel painting. Pastels are one of my favorite mediums! :-)
Wow Maree, thank you! I loved doing it - so sad about the young kite you found, obviously hit by a car. Wonder why people don't stop to check when that happens. Great photography!
Dear Carol, thank you!!!!
Hi Di and thank you! Yes I am loving pastels and will definitely be doing more!
UPDATE: The nest is still there! A bit bedraggled, but I think the extra new leaf growth protected it a bit better. The sparrows are now popping in again!
Merci Marty, you are so kind!
Dear Tweedles, they are doing fine! Hopefully we will see some little ones soon!
Thank you so much Liz!
Hello Humberto and thanks for dropping by. I did visit your blog, but will need to spend a great deal more time reading! Very interesting indeed and great photography!
Thank R - I really appreciate your visits and comments, they mean a lot to me.
Hi Liana, and thank you so much!
Yes Celeste, everything upside down here! Sunbathing on Christmas Day, shivering in July! And thank you for the lovely comment!
Thank you Ramesh and you've given me ideas!!
Gosh Elena thank you for the visit and you are an amazing photographer and artist!
Thank you so much Mary! Hopefully the nest will now remain intact!
Thank you so much Barbara!
Hi Melanie and thank you. Christmas and New Year in the sun on the beach is the norm for us!
Thank you Crystal and yes, isn't it a fabulous medium!
It's wonderful Liz! Beautiful colors!
Sweet, eloquent. This little bird looks happy. Can birds look happy?
Lovely pastels Liz, I love the blues and greys.
Beautiful bird Liz. I have some pastels that I have never used--I want to but not sure how to start. I have been taking a watercolor class but my skill level is a little iffy!
wow -this is in pastel?!!You are amazing, Liz,.he has such smooth feathers..I thought it was oils.Too good!
Don't know how I missed this Liz...
This is quite an amazing painting!! Almost photographic but infinitely more beautiful!
I had a similar experience when living in Kenilworth, Cape Town. The ending was not so happy. As the mother went off to find food some large bird came in and took the chicks. I was devastated because I had been following their progress. Your kite sketch is wonderful. You are so talented.
Jean
Fantastic work, Liz. Congratulations!
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