Pileated Woodpecker

Some recent photos I took of two old trees punctuated in repetitive fashion courtesy of one of my favorite birds, the pileated woodpecker. The pileated is frenetic in its daily business as it vociferously hammers away with its large bill to poke out grubs and insects buried in old and dead trees. He wears a magnificent crimson red cap that is shaped like a wedge. He's also a near facsimile of the presumably extinct Ivory billed woodpecker of the Ozarks. The pileated is a beautifully large bird and is attracted to suet. I highly recommend inviting this chap to visit your feeding stations. I am currently working on my next drawing, but in the meantime, enjoy some fine bird art and commentary by Chicago artist and Nationally acclaimed, Tony Fitzpatrick.

Fibonacci's Nest

Title: Fibonacci's Nest Size: 18"h X 24"w Medium: Graphite pencil on paper Year: 2013 This is the first drawing of my new series of natural curiosities I have encountered in nature. I am already excited to start the next drawing. This particular drawing is of a robin's nest that was on my American smoke tree outside my house. Robin's will migrate back to their same nesting locations each year. Sometimes they brood up to three times and always make a new nest for each brood to avoid parasites and other insubordinate variables. They pick each individual twig, grass, and other suitable natural and unnatural material by their beak. Each piece is carefully laced and woven almost in a perfect nautilus fashion. The robin secures the structure even further with mud which they carry in their mouth and pack along the base of the nest. This drawing too nearly 50 hours and it made me appreciate the artistry of not just the robin, but unique and diverse bird dwellings as a whole. I apologize for the poor quality of this photo as it was quickly taken with a point and shoot camera.

Fibonacci's Nest detailed shots

Some close shots of my drawing, "Fibonacci's Nest". My apologies for the poor quality, as I used a point and shoot digital camera to quickly snap these. This drawing along with two drawings from my last series can be seen at the 45th Parallel exhibition at the Phipps Center for the Arts. I also have three running journal drawings that relate to the show's theme at the Hudson Public Library across the street.

Next Friday is the opener for the annual 45th Parallel exhibition juried show. I will have three pieces on display including my newest piece (Fibonacci's Nest). Three more pieces will be in the connecting gallery across the street, which are some running journal drawings from a route along the 45th parallel. Hope to see you there!

New Work and Upcoming Exhibition

It's that time of year when the perennial birds flock to the feeders for sustenance to take on the punches of winter. Fill the feeders, clean your spotting glasses, brew some cowboy coffee and enjoy the sights! I have an upcoming jury show at the Phipps Center for The Arts in Hudson, Wi in the next month. It's annual show called the "45th Parallel", which is the line that runs right through Hudson, WI from a geographical standpoint. I will have three pieces in the show. I hope to finish my nest drawing picture above, which I have made further ground on since and hope to have completed by December. Two pieces found new homes after the MacRostie exhibition. A couple who are avid art collectors, and have pieces and from the venerable Gendron Jensen. If you are running out of ideas for a possible Christmas gift... consider this self deprecating plug in regard to my book, which you can view some pages and order on the link above. My next post will be the finished nest drawing!

Current Exhibition

My current exhibition will be up starting October 4th in Grand Rapids, MN at the beautiful                       MacRostie Art Center

New Book for Sale!

Here is the link to my new book of birds in regard to my first drawing series. It can be purchased at the link below in either soft or hard cover. Next up, an exhibition at the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids, MN. The previous exhibit was a beautiful retrospective of Gendron Jensen's drawings. I am currently starting my first large detailed drawing of my new series, titled, " Nature Autopsy."