On the Perch
“You’re on the perch,” my former boss would often say to me when I was at my computer. I was working for the Audubon Society then, and the phrase was part greeting, part acknowledgment of the task at hand. Though my work has changed, I’m still facing a computer most days and, thankfully, on the perch at my art desk most evenings.
This week, I am experimenting with two of my favorite things: birds and words. There are endless possibilities—the fun is figuring out which combination of birds, hand-drawn letters, layout, and words will give me the feeling I want to convey. My desk is strewn with calligraphy books, pens, and papers. Sometimes, I start with the birds, sometimes the words.
It’s enough to fill a long winter on the perch.
Tips & Techniques– If this sort of thing appeals to you, join me for BIRDS & WORDS, my new online class at Winslow Art Center starting Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Try your hand at combining text with artwork to lend greater meaning to your sketchbook pages or artwork. We’ll practice both hand-lettering techniques and drawing and painting birds in ink and watercolor. Each class will introduce a different approach to adding text, including large letters, poetry, and quotes.
Drawn In 
You are a master of both-your birds and words add joy to my Sundays!
Glad to hear that! Thanks!
Your bird really does tell Aesop’s word “story” Jean! Your large and bold lettering form a stable perch for the bird, too! Such a fun, whimsical approach! The upcoming class will be so much fun. Chirp!
Happy New Year, Barb! This lettering style took longer than anticipated, but I liked the woodcut look for this quote. On to the next words!
I like it a lot too! Meant to ask what calligraphy books can you recommend for this and more stylized or whimsical letters?
I’ve always liked the classic Speedball handbook for learning calligraphy and getting the basics down. But I also recommend looking around at letters and fonts you like– in magazines, books, stores, posters. online, etc. You can modify and alter them as you wish to make them your own.
Super! Thanks Jean for your reference name and the tips on other fonts!
Love it! I’d love to take the class, but alas, out of my budget capabilities…..
Sorry about that! I realize it’s not the least expensive venue.
Wonderful! Love both your bird and the quote, they compliment each other so well. What a great idea, my office and painting space are littered with small sticky notes of quotes I’ve been collecting for years. Hoping I’ll be able to join in, it’s always a treat to work with you and push my bird sketching skills further.
Thanks Sheila. I’m having fun pulling material for the class. Hope you can join in.
You really did draw the text rather than make it with a woodblock? 🙂 Cool. I’m glad to hear you’re having a good time with birds and words. Very, very long ago there was a weird song that went, in a bass voice, “Oh well a bird, bird, bird, bird is a word…” if I remember right. OK, anyway, it’s good to read about your space, too, and the upcoming class. We’ll be flying home that day from LA – spending some time around San Diego but flights to LA can be made from a close, small airport. Stay warm and enjoy the cozy nights, Jean!
Jean, I really hope they add a second section to your filled Birds and Words class at Winslow. I’ve been patiently waiting on the standby list. 🤞Linda
Hi Linda— good news will come your way soon. We will either open a new section or expand the number in this one. I’m just working out details with Winslow.