Becoming part of the silence
I love this quote by Irish writer Robert Lynd. “In order to see birds, it is necessary to become part of the silence.” He seems to have understood something profoundly true. Though we may see birds every day—by happenstance or on purpose– really knowing birds requires being quiet enough to enter their world. Unseen. Unobtrusive. Observant. I can honestly admit that I hardly do it enough. But when it happens, whether for just a moment or an hour, it’s a special thing.
Tips & Techniques- If you are doing a piece like this, my advice is to take your time. You’ll be making a lot of decisions: choosing the quote, the bird(s), the text style, size and spacing, the colors, and the paper. Play around to see what works before setting on a final design. I tend to work a little at a time, so that I can experiment with different elements. I chose New York Central Art Supply 140lb hot pressed watercolor paper and used 02 and 005 Pigma Micron pens for the black text. My palette was burnt sienna, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and cobalt blue for the Carolina wren and cobalt and a touch of burnt sienna for the word BIRD.
If you’d like to learn more and try your hand at Birds & Words, check out my new online class at Winslow Art Center starting in February.
Drawn In 
This is perfect, everything conveyed in its simplicity. Love it!
Thanks so much. There are always many things that could go wrong with this type of piece so I’m glad it turned out!
Jean …. Like the quote, your words are beautifully and profoundly stated. Opening your welcome post, complete with a gorgeous wren and such sage advice, set the stage for my day. And a perfectly quiet day it’s become, with a hushed snow-globe snow gently falling. Thank you for always bringing miles of smiles to all your followers!
Thanks Barb. Enjoy the quiet in your part of the world.
And you yours!
This is BEAUTIFUL! Is there a way I can purchase a print of this piece?
Susanne
Susanne Swing Thompson
http://www.wren-photos.com
404.660.5001
Hi Susanne- So glad you like it. I’ll email you about it. I think I can do a print, but I’m working with a new vendor, so I need to check a few things. I’ll be in touch.
Wonderful! Thank you!
This is beautiful, Jean. I love that you almost always add text and expecially the calligraphy. You couldn’t be anything BUT silent around the Carolina wren so whether you did this on purpose, or by happenstance HA! it’s great.
Hi Dawn- Glad to put you with Valiantly. A happy accident to put the very vocal Carolina wren with silence. Maybe, in this case, we should be singing along.
Darn. Theres that crazy “valiantly” again.
This is your neighbor, Dawn.
I love birds, this quote, and your work. So, I’ve signed up for your class! Looking forward to it.
Great! I’m looking forward to it!
Jean, your work always inspires me and makes me happy. I also adore Wrens, the loudest bird in the forest and so precious. Happy New Year! I will keep a watch for more of your classes. I’m taking a class at the same time as this one, so I’m disappointed I can’t join you this time around.
Happy New Year Elaine! We’ll catch up another time—enjoy your class!
Yesterday I went a very little way off the trail at a favorite park to look at interesting trees, many of which had fallen. I was very quiet. 😉 Suddenly a very small flock of very small birds flew into a nearby juniper and then left as quickly as they arrived. I glimpsed enough to know they were Kinglets. Lynd sure had it right! Even if the birds aren’t frightened, if you’re making noise you won’t be aware of them. I love your illustration of one of my many favorite Eastern birds – All Hail the loud, bold, handsome Carolina wren! (You sure nailed its lovely colors!)
Sounds like a brief, but special encounter! I love when things like that happen. Here’s to being on and off trail!
Here, here, hear, hear!!
Love both quote and art, how perfectly lovely!
Thanks Liz!
Beautiful watercolor painting of the bird! The colors are so delicate, and I love how you always add text, especially the calligraphy. Appreciate you sharing!
Thanks Jane!