Gnatcatchers are some of the smallest birds and the Black-Tailed looks very similar to the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher. The main difference is the black tail of the Black-Tail Gnatcatcher and the male has a black cap during mating and spring/sunmer season. This couple is enjoying a little alone time way up in a tree. Something precious about sitting quietly with the one you love:)

He's small (4"x6" canvas) but he demands your attention! The male American Yellow Warbler is found all over North America and are easy to spot due to their bright yellow coloring. Also, although small, the Amer. Yellow Warbler is not shy and like to frequent popular places. This little male is stopping to say "hello!" ... and might he suggest "you shake it like a polaroid picture??"

John asked for roosters, so here's one to start. I kept him simple, an all white Leghorn rooster. For future roosters, I will probably make them more strutty and boppin', but this guy is just relaxing. Taking five to say hi to the ladies out there!

We have bunches of Java Sparrows hopping and popping around our house all day, every day. They are really funny to watch especially with their puffy white cheeks and sleek blue-grey jackets. Java Sparrows are friendly, busy-body birds. The other day, I was watching a female Northern Cardinal eat seeds on the ground below my feeder. She was having a great time until three little Java Sparrows came up rough-housing and almost barreled straight into her. She took one look, turned and gave them all scoldings. The Java Sparrows scampered away without a fight. My lady Northern Cardinal is Big Mama of the neighborhood and she definitely didn't appreciate those three hooligans causing all that ruckus during lunchtime!

"She's got a way about her. I don't know what it is, but I know that I can't live without her..." Billy Joel

That pretty much says it all about this painting. I love the glazed over eyes of my male Palila as he receives sweet tickle kisses from his lady. Sometimes I can tell when a painting will sell quickly... I think this one is in that category.

I think I'll have to keep this one for myself... The A'eo, or Hawaiian Stilt, is different from the Black-Winged Stilt of the mainland. A'eo has more black on its head and neck, plus a longer beak. I love the little white patch above their eyes. It makes the A'eo look intrigued and innocent. My A'eo boys in the pond are definitley intrigued by my not-so-innocent lady A'eo as she struts her stuff.

Hey baby tell me what'd I say! I felt like these little 'Anianiau were looking at each other and having a silly conversation, so Ray Charles' song "What'd I Say" came to mind.

The 'Anianiau is the smallest Hawaiian honeycreeper and they are bright yellow (female is just a bit duller than the male). I made them nice and plump, nestling on a flowering Jacaranda branch.

If you haven't seen a Jacaranda in person, they are stunning. When in bloom, the Jacaranda is an explosion of purpleness! It's best to enjoy them in someone else's yard however, because the clean up post-season is brutal...

Watch out for the sneak attack! I love when cats get ready to pounce. Their eyes get real big and they do that funny little butt wiggle. My cat does the adjustments and then leans her head forward, then pulls back and does that a few times before exploding off the blocks in a flurry of fur. So viscious! You can take the beast out of the wild, but you can't take the beast out of the cat!

I had to paint the chicken sketch when I got home from Maui, she's just too cute! This is a small painting (5"x7") but my hen can sure fill up some space:)

Now that I'm back from my mini vacation, I have to get back into the work mindset. Crack the whip and back to work!

One more day of wonderful relaxation, but I have to admit, I miss my cat and dog and its only been a few days!

Today I did two sketches:

One is based on the song "With A Little Help From My Friend" with five fluffy friends that look like they have a great time sitting together.

The second sketch is the Beach Tree at Four Seasons Hualalai that got taken out by the tsunami this last year. The Beach Tree was an iconic tree and the beach-front restaurant was named for it. just another excuse for me to visit as "research"!