The Egg Case
Had I lived in the late-1800s, there’s a good chance I would have been a bird egg collector. Backyard collecting, exchanges, and sales were popular during the Victorian era, and I can see easily the appeal of amassing a collection to study and admire. But since collecting became illegal with the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918 (thankfully!), I rely on museum collections for an occasional egg fix.
I sketched this section of a much larger display at the Pember Museum of Natural History in Granville, NY. I only had about 30 minutes, so I sketched directly in pen and painted later at home, using a photo and reference books for the colors and patterns. If I were doing a careful painting, I would work in pencil first so that I could get the edges of each egg smooth and clean. But in this case, that kind of accuracy didn’t matter to me—I just wanted to have fun collecting on paper.
Celebrating One Year! On another note, it’s been year since I started I this blog and I want to thank you for following it! I began with a couple of posts on bird nests and eggs, so perhaps it’s fitting to come full circle and be back on that theme a year hence. I love hearing your thoughts, so keep on commenting…and share the blog as you see fit to widen its reach.
Drawn In 
Congratulations on your one year anniversary Jean. Impressive blog. Impressive artist. Wonderful woman!
Thanks Darienne! I always appreciate your encouragement!
Happy Anniversary and many thanks for this lovely informative blog!
Thanks Joyce!
Congratulations on your one year anniversary Jean. I love to receive your blog each week. I find your work lovely to look at. I especially love your attention to detail and choice of subjects. I think you might enjoy the work of Australian natural history artist Philippa Nikulinsky who specialises in Australian native flora and fauna which are so different to what you are familiar with. Her website is http://www.nikulinsky.com.au
Thank you for your thoughtful note. There are many weeks when I put something out and don’t have much idea how it is received. So I appreciate knowing that you are enjoying it! I will look forward to checking out the work of Philippa Nikulinsky– Thanks for the introduction!
Jean, as an artist also drawn to nature , I enjoy your blog. Your work is beautiful. I was suprised to see your mention of the Pember Museum of Natural History. I grew up in Pawlet, vermont and graduated from Granville High School in 1955 (ancient history), but I didn’t know the museum was there since it was not open to the public for 40 years. What a wonderful resource. Unfortunately I won’t be able to take advantage of it as I live in Idaho now. I however, will continue to follow and enjoy your blog
Thanks for writing and for sharing your connection to the Pember. It is such a wonderful resource! I wish you could see it today. It is a beautiful time capsule. I love the way the Internet can make these kinds of connections to people and places.