Beautiful Ending
There is a point when I am midway through a painting that I have to hold my breath and hope I don’t wreck it. That’s especially true when I’ve invested in a careful drawing as a base for the watercolor. So I’m especially pleased to come out the other side of this piece with a beautiful ending. (See last week’s post for the beginning.)
Drawn In 
Yes, it really is very beautiful. 🙂
Thanks Rebecca!
Oh, it is so lovely!!! I know what you mean, it doesn’t take much to feel that sense of “Oh, oh..”. I get freaked sometimes and print my sketch on watercolour paper first… to make sure I’m not going to mess it up! This is very beautiful.
I tend to walk away and come back when the intensity rises. It always helps to breathe!
Breathtakingly beautiful, you must have so much patience. I love this.
Thanks Valerie! Yes…I suppose there is patience, though it doesn’t feel that way. I think I just figure it will take me a little while to do and, in the end, the result will be worth the time.
The little touches of green really make the picture. It’s lovely.
I agree– the green was important for making this work. Though catbirds don’t really weave greenery into their nests, they are typically well concealed in greenery. So I added the touch of green for a little lively color.
Is this piece for sale? Thanks, Mary Heath Mount Vernon WA
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Sorry Mary, it isn’t. But glad you like it! I do have other nest images. I will email you to connect.
Wow. The intricate and delicate nature of your subject is so beautifully presented. You have a wonderful talent to create these lovely works. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! I really enjoy drawing and painting nests. Such a pleasure.
I was holding my breath for you! Your drawing was so beautiful that I thought it was perfect as is. But this is every bit as gorgeous. I love the depth and the green really makes the nest come to life.
Thanks Susan! I enjoyed both the drawing and the painting. I could see midway through the painting that I needed to add some greenery– it does make it come to life. Otherwise, it would have been better to leave the nest empty and brown.
It’s so beautiful, Jean! I haven’t gotten up my nerve to paint a nest yet, but you’ve inspired me to give it a try this spring. Do you always do such a detailed pencil sketch first? Do you find that it’s necessary to give you a roadmap of values and keep everything straight?
Hi Leslie- I think you will find that nests are very forgiving…and very fun. If I am painting in watercolor, I sometimes do a detailed sketch in pen (not pencil) first. Detailed pencil would get too murky, I think. But you don’t have to do that much detail first. You can start with a light pencil drawing and then do the entire thing with watercolor. I start with a loose graded wash and then proceed to pick out strands using lots of negative painting. Look in the Paintings section at the nest of the goldfinch. That was done using this technique. Good luck!
This is just STUNNING!
Thanks!
Your nest is just lovely, Jean. As is all your work. . . >
Thanks Nancy!
Superb.
This is just beautiful!! I have no other words to describe it. So meticulous -wow!!!
Thanks Linda! I appreciate your comments!
It’s gorgeous Jean!
Thanks Teri!
Truly beautiful!!! That beautiful blue and those wonderful twigs….
The bird did most of the work!
Beautiful artwork Jean! Your ink drawing was fantastic and color really brought it together with the touches of blue and green.
I’m glad I posted both..it makes for a nice comparison. Thanks for your nice comment, Wayne. Happy sketching!
Stunning work. It glows! Wow, you’ve inspired me. Thank you.
Always happy to inspire!
Heyyyy, this looks familiar! Beautiful painting Jean. Thanks too for sharing your sketch last week.
Worth skating on thin ice! Glad we took that hike!
Your works are amazing and very inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks for reaching out– I appreciate your positive thoughts! Stay inspired!
Well done! Just stunning!