Juncos Return
When the Dark-eyes Juncos return each year it’s a sure sign that fall is waning into winter. A small flock arrives like clockwork when the oak and beech leaves are the only ones still hanging on. Their white tail feathers give them away as they flash across the road and dart into the brush. I welcome them with mixed feelings—I hate to see October go, but I’m glad to watch them all winter, small black bodies puffed up against new snow or hopping out from under the porch on cold mornings. They’ll be our companions until spring winds send them northward and the season shifts again.
Tips and Techniques– I painted these juncos yesterday during my workshop “Knowing When to Stop” at Winslow Art Center’s free Autumn Art in Action Festival. At each stage of a painting, I evaluate color, values, details, shadows, and composition, slowing building up layers of paint until I’m satisfied with each of those things. These criteria help me make decisions about what to do next and can help prevent paintings that are under-or-overworked. If you struggle with knowing when to stop, try looking through that lens and see if it helps.
Drawn In 
Another awesome lesson, THANKS Jean. I love the art you create.
So nice of you to say, Linda. The demo was sort of a blur to me, so I appreciate your feedback.
Another awesome lesson, THANKS Jean. I love the art you create.
Lovely as always. Yes, overworking is often a problem for me. I have tried stepping away from the work for a day or more. I think that gives me a “better eye” and I can evaluate more clearly. Sometimes…I still overwork it! It’s a learning process. I am improving but so slowly!
Love your work and words of beauty.
Stepping away works for me too. I often come back and see small things to tweak. Sometimes I make a list of what I need to do so that I don’t go astray.
We noted the return of the juncos to our area on October 28. I like your advice on deciding when to stop. Like many, I often go too far. Gradually, I am making better decisions about when enough is enough.
I’ve heard from a few people who saw the return of the juncos last week. Birds can be remarkably predictable. Painting is a process of learning and growth. I’ve overworked plenty of times, but now I feel like I have a better method of evaluating when to stop, so I’m not just going on gut reaction or trying to perfect things too much.
Beautiful Jean! We also enjoy juncos this time of year until spring winds carry them back north. Such spunky little birds to brave the cold and snowy winters of our East Mountains. Thoroughly enjoyed your presentation yesterday. It’s always fascinating to witness your painting strokes and hear your inner discussion on next steps. Thank you so much for sharing your process!
Thanks Barb. I didn’t “see” you on screen, but it is nice knowing you were there. Enjoy your juncos as cold weather moves in.
Thanks! I wouldn’t have missed it! Thanks for all you do as coach, mentor, and artist supreme!
Thanks Barb.
This is so lovely, Jean. Your family must look forward to your holiday cards. Wow! You should do a class on that! 😀
I second that!
My family specializes in gift tags– we all sit around with paper and markers and other art supplies and make creative tags. It’s a fun tradition. Some years, I do cards and sometimes I don’t have my act together, but it’s fun. Do you do cards?
Love these little birds!
Thanks Peggy. Do you have juncos near you?
Same here! But for us, at least the way I’ve observed it from my little piece of the earth, the White-throated Sparrows come first, with their sweet, lilting song, and then the Juncos. The Juncos are moderately feathered, but make up for it in their personality. I especially love watching them in the snow. I love your rendering of them, and thank you for the technique tips as always!
Enjoy your “winter birds!”
Dark eyed Juncos! I LOVE those little guys!
Thanks Hilda- It’s nice to see them flitting around the yard and roadsides again.