Bitter Cold Bluejay

8x8 watercolor on 140 lb cold press paper completed yesterday from one of my many bird photos.  This one had fluffed up feathers to protect its body against the icy cold and snowy environment.
COPYRIGHT 2020 Kay Smith

Snowy Tufted Titmouse bird

4x5 watercolor on Canson 140 lb cold press paper completed today of a lone titmouse bird amidst snowflakes.  The winter bird paintings always intrigue me with their puffed up feathers and endless search for food.


Actual size is below:

COPYRIGHT 2020 Kay Smith

Branching Out Cardinal

15x11 watercolor on 140 lb cold press paper of a male cardinal in the cold snow and ice.  This is a previous work and is SOLD.
COPYRIGHT 2019 Kay Smith

Snowbird Cardinal

22x30 acrylic, white gel pen and wax crayon on Winsor Newton 140 lb cold press paper, an imaginary cardinal in snow painting completed yesterday.
COPYRIGHT 2018 Kay Smith

Cold Bluebird

11x7.5 watercolor on Fabriano 140 lb cold press paper completed yesterday.  Using a photo ref from fellow artist Virginia of a fluffed up bird in the cold, I've added snow to the tree and limbs as there was none.
COPYRIGHT 2018 Kay Smith

Chickadees and Pinecones

15x11 watercolor on Canson 140 lb cold press paper that is today's work.  This is brush only, no pencil drawing before and no references.  First I used a white crayon to mark the birds' feathers and snow areas. Then began painting with mixed darks first: Quinacridone burnt orange + UB, and quin gold with Prussian blue for green areas.  Midtone greys, a mix of colors already on the palette, were put in then raw sienna, quin gold, quin burnt orange for pinecones.  Splattering was done last when dry.  I tried to show their feathers fluffing against the cold.
Image is COPYRIGHT 2015 Kay Smith.