In Cold Rain
A cold rain is falling on the winter beach. A solitary loon, a few surf scoters, and a flock of bufflehead bob in the steely-gray water, disappearing now and again beneath the waves. This is no day for sketching seabirds. I retreat to the car and drive to a windswept spit of land that divides ocean from tidal marsh. A flock of gulls are right where I had hoped they’d be at the edge of the parking area, facing into the wind, occasionally preening or picking at clams or flying up and settling back down. I crack open my sketchbook in the front seat and draw. Gulls are perfect subjects, striking a variety of poses until the page is filled and I go home for tea.
click to view larger; watercolor in Stillman & Birn Zeta sketchbook
Drawn In 
Ah Jean, you always manage to make it look so efffortless.
And this is what keeps me striving for a better piece. Thank you
And Happy New Year!
That’s a sweet thing to say, Cindy. And for all the effortless-looking ones, there are a dozen rotten eggs. Happy New Year!
This is lovely! The loose washes are great. Happy New Year!
The loose pencil sketches seem to demand loose washes. Also, no need to get too fussy when you’re working this small.
Wonderful drawings!
Thanks Michael– They were fun to do.
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Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing the beauty.
Thanks much! I’ve been drawing and painting a few birds/eggs/nests lately…will post more soon.
Looking forward to seeing them!
Jean, your sketches are always so true to character, positions, shapes, and colors. These are really nice; Makes me feel I’m at my favorite beach in the PNW where similar birds inhabit. When I observe the behavior of birds outdoors in the icy cold weather, I feel so sorry for them; it’s amazing they survive especially when food is so scare for them in the winter.
Love your sketches. Birds fascinate me so much i watch them for hours
Glad you like them Namrata! Yes, birds are fascinating and beautiful creatures. They are a challenge to paint!