Sketching Hummingbirds

Keeping with my 2013 commitment to stay busy sketching if I'm not painting, I started a little hummingbird sketch tonight....
 

Pen & Marker Sketch in progress

 

 

 

 

 

Hummingbirds are the most amazing little creatures and photography is the only real way that you're going to get one to sit still long enough to sketch him.  So I'm using a photo taken by a photographer friend of mine, Doug Beck.  You can see some of his amazing photos at http://desertbighorn.smugmug.com/. 

In the Las Vegas area we are blessed to enjoy 4 species of hummingbirds, and come the cold weather don't think you should take in your hummingbird feeder because 2 of the species stay here year round. Yes, we have backyard entertainment year round here in the Mojave Desert!  Remember one of the best things you can do to paint with skill is to pick up a pencil and practice drawing with skill.  So along with all those other resolutions to loose weight, read your Bible and show kindness- make sure you include a sketchbook in there somewhere.  You will be blessed if you do!

Hummingbirds 6 inches long

I know that I'm not the only one that finds great joy in watching the hummingbirds dart around the feeder.  These tiny creatures pack a super attitude as they dive bomb each other, chattering and scolding as they fly past.  I'm fortunate because in Las Vegas these little guys hang out all year round.

Hummingbirds have been a recent favorite painting subject of mine.  Most paintings I have observed that contain this aerial acrobats usually have a canvas full of colorful flowers and showcase these tiny winged jewels.  My idea was to compose the piece by having the flowers dwarfed by the bird himself.  Hence comes my 6 inch hummingbirds.  My friend Doug Beck from Seattle Washington has taken some fantastic photos of hummingbirds and with his permission I have used these photos as my inspiration.  Check out his work at http://desertbighorn.smugmug.com/.  You will be very impressed with his photos.

Hummingbird I- 24 x 36

Hummingbird II- 24 x 36

Both of these paintings are for sale on my website at JTownsendStudios.com if you want to check them out.  I know that I have several more paintings coming in the future that feature lots of bright flowers, feisty little winged creatures and an abundance of green.