Sandhill Cranes continue

Sandhill Cranes are beautiful and fascinating birds. Some people think they are prehistoric in apperance. I think they are amazing. Right now, I am working on four small paintings of these birds. Some are on paper, which I enjoy greatly. I love the process of watching the painting form and illuninate the beauty of the birds.
This painting celebrates the shapes of the these amazing creatures while flying and just being who and what they are. It is a bit different from my usual style or rather painting format. I just wanted to show the shapes and some of their movements. I hope you like it.
Hopefully more will come soon.

Birds of Jackson

Here is another small painting, this time on paper. It is mixed media.
We have a growing population of Sandhill cranes here in Jackson County,to the
frustration of many farmers since they do chow down on freshly planted corn.
They are fascinating birds and many people enjoy observing them.
Personally, I love their feathers and the way they turn from a blue-grey to
a brownish color at least in spots as they bathe in dust.
Stay tuned for more, I did start a sandhill crane on canvas, but was not happy with
a few things, so, that work of art is still in progress.Stay tuned for more Birds of Jackson.
Till then...Have a great week or 2. Betty Kay

New Series begins

Here it is, the first in my series of Birds of Jackson Michigan. Jackson is now being promoted as a bird watching area, and It should have been sooner. Therefore, it needs illustrations of the birds we see here all of the time. This fellow was a return visitor to a pond in front of a cemetary on N. Elm st. My husband photographed him every year until sadly, he came no more. He had no mate and looked a little scraggly if you were able to see him or her up close. We were so sad when he did not come back, but we have many photos to remind us of our friend and now a painting to remind of his life. He is or was a heron. We miss him.

I'm now working on Sandhill cranes. They are beautiful birds with a delightful dance. We see them summer to late fall. I'll put my finished work up as soon as I'm happy with it. These are small paintings, but I intend to also paint them on larger canvases too. I hope you like them. Look around you and pay a little more attention to the birds. they are wonderful. Till next time, have a great tomorrow. Betty K.

What's new

Today is the garage sale at Art 634. I don't know if I'll have anything garagy to sell or not. However, I started a new series of paintings this week. In honor of Jackson Michigan going to the birds (Bird watcher town), I have started a series of bird paintings. The first is a blue heron that my husband Kenny enjoyed photographing a few years ago. He (the heron) was always seen in a pond here in Jackson. He was a bit scraggly looking. I think he or she was old and had no mate, but year after year turned up at the same place, then last year, no bird. We were very sad about the lack of heron. So, in honor of our bird, the first is his portrait. Next will be sandhill cranes. Birds are such beautiful creatures. By the way, there will be a Sandhill Crane festival here in October at the Sandhill Crane Vineyard and Winery. The blue bird festival is hopefully coming back. That festival is in the talking stages.

Back to this weekend... Art 634 in Jackson Michigan, garage sale Sat. and Sunday. Sunday is also the 2nd Sunday with music and who knows what all, so come on over to join us for art, music and fun on Sat. and Sunday afternoon. I'll look forward to seeing you all.

I'm Back

The Fairy Fest is now past and I am recovering. Wow! It was two days of small fairies and other small creatures as well as larger ones running around the building at Art 634. What an event. We had tons to do and see. I do believe it was a success. I was busy most of the time face painting. I had some that came back the 2nd day. All in all we had about 200 each day. That is a lot of children. fortunately, we had lots to do, some for small amts of money and several free. I'm regrouping artistically. Keep you updated soon.

The Countdown

So many things to do and here I am writing on my blog. The Fairy Fest is quickly approaching and I have much to do to be ready. I should be in the studio cleaning and setting up for the big event. Oh well, I will be rested. Tuesday will be a better day for cleaning,etc. I would prefer to get to the heart of art. Art from the heart,that is what I love. I've gathered small canvasses to make more affordable art for the less than happy economy. I think perhaps a new series would be appropriate for small canvasses. Something new and fresh would be great. Any suggestions? I would love some input from you. Have a great artsy day. God Bless. Betty K

Update, Fairy Fest, bionic knee

Well, it is almost fairy fest time (next weekend,4/25 11am-6pm, 4/26 12am-4pm). I'll be face painting. There will be lots to see and do: a fairy door scavenger hunt, fairy houses on display, books and author on hand to autograph, the Rose Queen will have tea parties on Sat, fairy dancers on Sun. It will be lots of fun. Last year we had over 200 wanabe fairies running around in winged costumes. I wonder what kind of turnout we'll have this year? I hope my husband with the new bionic knee will be able to come and help out or at least sit in may studio and keep an eye on things while I'm busy painting faces. I need to get back to work, I've been staying home with the recovering knee. I've only been able to go to work for a few hours this week. Hopefully next week will be better. Till next time, God Bless.