Cage Free -- 30-in-30, Day Thirty. I Made It and Lived To Tell About It!

Poe
Cage Free Series 037

We are nearly to October and nearly at the death date of Edgar Allen Poe.  I don't know many fine art lovers that are also Football lovers.  I am one.  Since I am in Maryland, and since they won this week, this is for the Baltimore Ravens.


30 Paintings in 30 Days.  It was definitely a struggle.  I mean, I really had a hard time with this challenge.  Like really REALLY.  I think it was just the beautiful weather. And maybe the fact that I overloaded myself with a bunch of other new things all at the same time  -- new gym membership, trying to do 10,000 steps daily, Taekwondo lessons, online classes, all this besides working full time.  Starting two new books probably didn't help either.

I thought I was good at the beginning of the month.  I had 13 paintings done before Sept. 1.  That may have given me a false sense of security.  Then again, by about Sept. 8 (when I still had plenty of paintings in the bag) I got bored with the challenge and I don't know that I recovered, even though I did a lot of good paintings after that.  My heart just wasn't fully in it.

Yes, I missed out on sleep here and there.  Yes my family and my housework got the short end of the stick.  My family has been supportive and encouraging.  The laundry and dishes?  Not so much.

So the big question is: Will I do it again?  Probably.  I'm just crazy like that.  January is a good month for painting in my basement studio.  I crank up the heater and put on some heavy metal music and throw a load of clothes in the washer then I'm good to go.  Besides, there are often snow days which let me catch up on painting and sleep.  The Farmer's Almanac says we're to have a very snowy winter.  So again, yes.  I probably will do another 30 in January.  Maybe I'll paint them all in November and nobody will be the wiser.


"Poe"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists at Leslie Saeta's blog.

30-in-30 Day Twenty Nine. Cage Free Series 036

Watching
Cage Free Series 036

Starling watches intently with shining eyes.

I am so thankful we are nearing the end of this challenge.  September in Maryland has been really beautiful and while I'm glad to have finished every painting, I really wanted to spend more time outside rather than in my basement studio.  Perhaps next September my challenge should be to paint Plein Air.


"Watching"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, Framed with a black and gold Floater Frame.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists at Leslie Saeta's blog.

Cage Free -- 30-in-30 Day Twenty Eight (Donated)

First Glimpse of Father
Cage Free Series 035

Woven paper to symbolize the nest of a Weaver Bird, with the viewer being the baby in the nest.
One thing you can't quite see in the photo is the paper weave is raised off the canvas to give the illusion of depth.

I am honored to be chosen for this show at Circle Gallery.


"First Glimpse of Father"
16" x 20" oil on canvas board with woven paper
This painting is currently in a show at Circle Gallery, Annapolis, MD.
See the other participating artists at Leslie Saeta's blog.

30-in-30 Day Twenty Seven. Cage Free Series 034

Mother Checks For Progress
Cage Free Series 034

Mother Robin checks for progress on her clutch of eggs.  Perhaps she felt something moving.  Perhaps she's simply impatient.  I know many mothers who have been in that spot!


"Mother Checks For Progress"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other artists participating at Leslie Saeta's blog.

Cage Free -- 30-in-30 Day Twenty Six -- SOLD

Man of Mystery
Cage Free Series 033

Having never been much of a hiker, I know very little about birds of the forest.  The Cedar Waxwing with his striking mask and peachy/grey body coloring is absolutely beautiful to me.  He is a bird of the forest and it's unlikely we have met.

I would definitely like to spend time hiking however, my horrible sense of direction finds me lost even on simple trips I have made many times in the past.  Even following a GPS on roads that are marked with signs to let me know where I am going is not foolproof when this fool is behind the wheel.  So, I feel as though hiking is not something I should spend a lot of time doing.  Also, I have no desire to encounter a bear.


"Man of Mystery"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other artists participating at Leslie Saeta's blog.

30-in-30 Day Twenty Five. Cage Free Series 032

Feisty
Cage Free Series 032

Blue Jay watches for any opponent.
Blue Jays are kind of the bully of the backyard feeder.  They will not allow any other birds (or even any other creatures) around where they are feeding.

This painting makes number six this month that Daily Paintworks has chosen as a DPW Pick.  Get them while they're hot, folks!


"Feisty"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other artists participating at Leslie Saeta's blog.

Cage Free -- 30-in-30 Day Twenty Four

Crimson Wing
Cage Free Series 031

Puffing himself up to fend off an opponent.

This bird is one thing I miss about living in a more populated area.  I never see these where I live and their song is one of my favorite.  Hear the song here (there is an audio box along the left side of the page under Keys to Identification.)


"Crimson Wing"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists at Leslie Saeta's blog.

30-in-30 Day Twenty Three. Cage Free Series 030

Knock Knock Knocking
Cage Free Series 030

Pileated Woodpecker working on making his home in a tree.

Yesterday I talked about the first day of Autumn and that was in preparation for today.  Which is actually the first day of Autumn.  And today it feels like Autumn.  It's a chilly 59 degrees.

My whole family was in bed by 9:00 last night so maybe we're all ready to hibernate.  I'm not as grumpy this morning so my co-workers will be free to go about their business without hiding behind machines to avoid me.


"Knock Knock Knocking"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists at Leslie Saeta's blog.

Cage Free -- 30-in-30 Day Twenty Two

Prepared For Take-off
Cage Free Series 029

Nuthatch is ready to burst into the sky.  Off to his next adventure.

The first day of Autumn.  The days will now become almost non-existent.  Especially when Daylight Saving Time kicks in.  I have a little sour spot in my heart for DST.  The idea behind it is ridiculous to me.  I wish I could say I would hibernate but that's not likely.

(I might be a little grumpy from going to bed very late last night.)  Maybe I will get started on a fabric art project and let the bugs have the basement for a while.  At least thinking about all the snuggly fabric will make me less cranky than if I were to continue to fume about Summer being over.

*pasting on a smile* Have a lovely day!  :)


"Prepared For Take-off"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists at Leslie Saeta's blog.

30-in-30, Day Twenty One. Cage Free Series 028

Feels Like Home
Cage Free Series 028

A Blue Bird perches on a house that is soon to become his home.

Getting down to the wire, I am more than two-thirds of the way to 30 paintings.  I have found so much joy in painting all of these birds.  I have other paintings I would like to work on so they should be coming soon in October... unless my daughter comes up with a ridiculous Halloween costume she wants me to make.  Then there may be some delay.


"Feels Like Home"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists at Leslie Saeta's blog.

Cage Free -- 30-in-30, Day Twenty

Delicate Blue
Cage Free Series 027

Tufted Titmouse on a chilly morning.

It is absolutely beautiful in my neighborhood today but I'm sure the chilly days are not far off.

I am honored that Daily Paintworks chose this painting along with three others for their DPW Picks.  I believe the picks are listed according to when the auction ends.  To see all the picks, just page through the tabs.


"Delicate Blue"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists on Leslie Saeta's blog.

30-in-30, Day Nineteen. Cage Free Series 026

Shimmering Ruby
Cage Free Series 026

Hummingbirds are so quick, when I see them in the yard they catch me off guard and I usually think it is a large bee buzzing around before I can focus on it to realize it's a little bird friend.  I wanted to capture that feeling of quick movement in this painting.

It's Friday, Yay!  And it's International Talk Like A Pirate Day.  My husband is all set with his eye patch, a bandanna for his head and he probably has a toy parrot squirreled away somewhere that he'll attach to his shoulder.  If you're really into the Pirate thing, you can dress up and Krispy Kreme will give you a free dozen.


"Shimmering Ruby"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists at Leslie Saeta's blog.

Cage Free -- 30-in-30 Day Eighteen

Fishing
Cage Free Series 025

Prothonotary Warbler does a little afternoon fishing.

Yesterday Leslie Saeta talked about how she loves painting reflections and my painting today is also about reflections and I love how water sparkles when the sunlight hits it at a sharp angle.  I think I captured that sparkle here.

I got a little more sleep last night and feel much better today.  I will definitely do that again tonight.  I have this thought that's left over from when I was a kid -- I never wanted to go to bed because I was always afraid somebody was going to have fun without me.  I have to force myself to go to bed.  Every night.  I'm lucky in that I almost never have insomnia.  Once my head hits the pillow, I'm out.  It's the making-myself-go-to-bed part that's a struggle.


"Fishing"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists on Leslie Saeta's blog.

30-in-30 Day Seventeen. Cage Free Series 024

Power Disguised
Cage Free Series 024

Barn owl watches her prey intensely.
The power of the claws disguised by a beautiful face.

Boy Howdy I am extra tired this morning.  I even hit the snooze alarm, which is not a good thing.  I keep a tight schedule and now it's tighter.  Tonight is definitely an early-to-bed night.


"Power Disguised"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists on Leslie Saeta's blog.

Cage Free -- 30-in-30, Day Sixteen

First Question
Cage Free Series 023

Horned Owl perches on a branch asking his eternal question... Whooo?

Sometimes I get impatient and then the Universe teaches me a lesson that I have to continue living for a while.  This happens a lot with my hair especially.  I have a stylist that I love.  Instead of making a regular appointment with her I wait until my hair is unruly.  And then madness sets in and I take matters into my own hands.  Last night I put matters (or rather, scissors) into the hands of my daughter.  She is Fifteen and not a professional stylist.  I have let her cut my hair in the past with varying results.  (The time when she was Five was probably my most insane.)

This time, she did fine.  Until I gave her the shaver.  That was the turning point.

I should have known she was a little too excited using the shaver.  Now I look like a rocker chick with the sides of my head shaved.  I did save my eyebrow, though.

Perhaps the owl should be asking, "What were you thinking?"

I wasn't thinking Mr. Owl.  I was being impatient.  My kid is an awesome sport when I ask her to do crazy things for me.  And my hair will grow back.  Thanks, Universe.  I will:

Slow down.

Take a breath.


"First Question"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists on Leslie Saeta's blog.

30-in-30, Day Fifteen. Cage Free Series 022

"Anticipation"
Cage Free Series 022

Naturally colored eggs from Easter Egger chickens.

This is the half-way mark for the challenge.  I have learned a lot, again with this challenge and I feel like I'm getting into a rhythm with the paintings.  Last time I really hadn't chosen a theme and the paintings were just whatever I felt like doing.  With the Cage Free theme I feel like I can stay focused on learning more about my own style.


"Anticipation"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the rest of the participating artists at Leslie Saeta's blog.

Cage Free -- 30-in-30, Day Fourteen

Family Portrait
Cage Free Series 021

Three chicks stood still (probably in a bit of shock at being away from the rest of the family) just long enough to capture this photo.  I love the idea that they are siblings posing for a family photo.  Another one that makes me laugh.


"Family Portrait"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks auction.
See the rest of the artists participating in the challenge at Leslie Saeta's blog.

30-in-30, Day Thirteen. Cage Free Series 020

Sisters Get a Treat
Cage Free Series 020

These two sisters have come running for a treat and impatiently wait at their owner's feet.

Chickens are so beautiful and yet hilarious.  Just look at the shape of the hind-end on these two.  It makes me laugh and I want to hug them.

"Sisters Get a Treat"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other participating artists on Leslie Saeta's blog.





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Cage Free -- 30-in-30, Day Twelve

Avant-Garde
Cage Free Series 019

I admit it, I was watching Project Runway and the name for this painting just struck me.  This chicken is a Silkie Bantam and I just love the mop of feathers in its face.

"Avant-Garde"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other artists participating in the 30-in-30 challenge on Leslie Saeta's blog.

30-in-30, Day Eleven. Cage Free Series 018

Partridge Cochin
Cage Free Series 018

I know roosters are not snuggleable but this guy just looks so cuddly!... for a rooster.

Are you tired of the roosters yet?  This is the last one for a while.  I do have a couple of chicken paintings to share.  Maybe after the 30-Day Challenge is over I'll go back to the roosters.  I just love the variety of shapes, sizes, and feather configurations.

"Partridge Cochin"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other 30-in-30 participating artists on Leslie Saeta's blog.

Cage Free -- 30-in-30, Day Ten

Juju-Bees
Cage Free Series 017

I asked my daughter, "If you had a rooster, what would you name it?"
She said, "Juju-Bees".  It made me laugh so that is what I named this painting.

Art should definitely not be serious all the time.


"Juju-Bees"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the rest of the artists participating in the 30-day challenge on Leslie Saeta's blog.




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30-in-30, Day Nine. Cage Free Series 016

Flame
Cage Free Series 016

One significant feature of the Japanese Bantam Rooster is the straight, flame-red comb.  Apparently this breed is better for warmer climates because the comb is quite susceptible to frost bite.

In one day it seems it has turned from Summer to Autumn.  My feelings are torn about this.  I love the cooler weather but I really don't want Summer to be over.  I love Halloween and in my younger years I would have had my costume planned and started already but I really don't want Summer to be over.


"Flame"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other artists participating in the 30-in-30 challenge on Leslie Saeta's blog.

Cage Free -- 30-in-30, Day Eight.

Black Satin
Cage Free Series 015.

I adore chickens and roosters.  Our area has approved homeowners to have backyard chickens and I would love to own them.  Just a few problems immediately arise though : a husband who says, "absolutely not" (plus he's allergic to everything) and foxes.  We have a fox that has a well-worn path through our yard.  She is lovely to watch until you think your pet might become her dinner.

Anyway, a rooster will try to kill any competing males and I would never be able to choose just one type of rooster.  They are all so beautiful.

"Black Satin"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other artists participating on Leslie Saeta's blog.


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30-in-30, Day Seven, Cage Free Series 014

Brilliant Indigo
Cage Free Series 014

Vivid Indigo Bunting perches in a field with fiery Autumn colors.

It finally rained last night so the temperature dropped and it won't feel like we're on fire for a few days.  Yesterday I didn't get to cook a thing so I guess I'll be extra busy with that today.  A cooler day is better for cooking, for sure.


"Brilliant Indigo"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other artists painting in the challenge on Leslie Saeta's blog.




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Cage Free -- 30-in-30 Day Six

Dashing
Cage Free Series 013

To me, this guy looks dashing in his blue finery and black beard and head feather.  What a lovely creature.

It's Saturday and I have slept in (normally I'm up at 4 for work, so 7 is sleeping quite late for me).  Now it's time to crack in to the day -- a walk and quick trip to the gym, appointments for my daughter, some cooking for the week (I cook enough for the week, rather than the day and live off leftovers), and some painting for the week.
I hope your day is productive.


"Dashing"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See all the participating artists on Leslie Saeta's blog.




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30-in-30 Day Five, Cage Free 012

"Evening Lady"
Cage Free Series 012

This painting is meant as a companion to the one here.  The Evening Grosbeak spends its time in forests and I do not (sadly!) so we have probably never met but I think they are quite a lovely couple.  I love when I see birds in my yard but I'm not great at knowing what they are.  Maybe after researching so many birds for paintings, I'll actually be able to identify them when I see them.

I'm glad it's finally Friday.  Even with Labor Day this short week has felt very very long.  I had made plans to meet friends for an outing on Saturday but have decided I better stay home and paint instead.  It's going to be too hot anyway so I'll be thankful for my basement studio.


"Evening Lady"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the rest of the day's paintings on Leslie Saeta's blog.




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Cage Free -- 30-in-30, Day Four -- SOLD

"Bird in Hand"
Cage Free Series 011

Unlike our current weather (which is way too hot!), this little guy looks a little chilly.  Maybe he's out on a November morning.

After yesterday morning's mild disaster (is that a thing?) of no tea in the teapot the day turned out pretty well.  I made it to work on time... yay!!  Work was a little slow due to a machine being broken so I used the time to catch up on emails and got in my hour of walking in the nice, cool, air conditioned factory building.  Walking outside at 90 degrees with 90% humidity is no treat!  I also ran into a dear friend in the grocery store that I have not seen in probably a year.  Sadly, both our lives are crazy right now and there are no plans to get together again soon but it was so SO good to run into her.

Last night I remembered to set up the teapot so there IS tea this morning and now this post is finished so I even have time to make a lunch.


"Bird in Hand"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the rest of today's 30-in-30 painters on Leslie Saeta's blog.




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30-in-30 Day Three -- Cage Free 010

"Little Nipper"
Cage Free Series 010

Hummingbirds are amazing creatures.  The glow of their feathers just takes my breath away.  We have a few hummingbirds in our yard from time to time but I have never fed them.  My neighbor feeds birds and that will have to be good enough for me.  I seem to attract squirrels when I put out feeders.

I woke up this morning congratulating myself for being so organized.  I jumped up, turned on the tea pot to start it brewing while I went in to brush my teeth.  Feeling rather tired from staying up a little late, but glad for all I have accomplished this week.  When I got back to the kitchen, the tea pot was quiet and nothing had brewed.  My heart sank as I wondered,  "Is it broken?"  Then I realized, nope... I forgot to fill it last night.  Ugh.  The rest of the day has to go more smoothly than that, right?  Let's hope.


"Little Nipper"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the rest of the artists participating in the 30-in-30 on Leslie Saeta's blog.



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Cage Free -- 30 in 30, Day Two

"Evening Male"
Cage Free 009

Photographing my art so that the photo looks like the painting has proved to be quite an adventure.  Every time I think I have it looking really good, I see some thing I want to change or tweak just a bit so it looks even better.  I don't have a ton of money for photography equipment and I think I have figured out my new camera enough to make it work really well (for now).


"Evening Male"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the rest of the 30-in-30 paintings for the day on Leslie Saeta's blog.

Excitement of 30!

"Pride of Baltimore"
Cage Free Series 008

Happy September.  Today starts the challenge to paint 30 paintings in 30 days.  I completed my first 30-in-30 challenge in January of this year.  It was a wonderful experience.  Not every one of my paintings in the January challenge was a winner, but I learned a lot and enjoyed it enough to go for it again.

I decided to use the opportunity of 30 paintings to work on my Cage Free Series since it will give me a nice step toward the goal of 100 (though I never said how long it would take to get to that 100).

Being from Maryland, I couldn't put off painting the Oriole for long, especially with the O's doing well in baseball (ohhh... don't let that jinx it....).  For those who are not from this area, let me tell you one thing that is so fun about visiting Camden Yards.  It is the song they play for the 7th Inning Stretch:  "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" by John Denver.  Maryland is barely in the South and Baltimore is hardly a Country/Western kind of town but the city LOVES that song played at the O's games and everyone has a great time.  Just a bit of trivia.


"Pride of Baltimore"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See this painting and all the rest at Leslie Saeta's blog.




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