Wood Grain

Heaven's Gate

click to enlarge

Wood grain is one of my favorite patterns to recreate.  And it is so random that you can use some creativity while you paint it.  But it is hard to do better than mother nature.  My favorite wood is old and gray and weathered over time.

I still find my cat baby's eyes mesmerizing in this piece. And I also tried to recreate another type of pattern here.  The multi-colored pattern of a calico coat.  I love how random that is as well. The feisty nature and haphazard quilt of colors make Calicos my favorite kitty.  

Pattern is the theme this week over at www.illustrationfriday.com

Wax On Wax Off

click to enlarge

Cedar wax wings are so elegant and sophisticated.  And the lighting is so pretty on this Summer morning walk near Menomonie, Wisconsin.  Look at all we saw besides birds on this pleasant stroll...

The birds and the bees.

This one is a favorite.  I love the composition. 

Are you celebrating Cyber Monday?  My celebration is very low key.  Just me and my keyboard. 

For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday

The Signs of Fall

Dragonflies are dragging their feet about leaving.

The red berries are ready for migrating birds.  (although I have no idea if they eat these)

 Mushrooms are exploding onto the scene.  This one was the size of a dinner plate.

 People heart Fall.  

We're all talking turkey.  (And eating.  Hee, hee.)

Yellow leaves sparkle in the sun.

There are so many mushrooms you could say they grow on trees.  

Now if we could just say the same about money. 

The wild flowers lose their petals.

The views are tinged with rust and gold.  Just like life.  

All these photos were taken at Westwood Hills and Spring Lake Park this Fall.  For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday

And for more turkeys......take a gander below.

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Sea Gulls at Sunset

I love a good sunset.  Who doesn't?  And the Naples pier is one of the best places to see it.  First we walk on the beach.  There is actually nothing I like better in life than walking on firm sand with my bare feet as the warm tides brush back and forth over them.  Heaven.  And you know life is good if you can enjoy a heavenly sunset after.  People are happy after a warm day in the sun.  The birds are happy as well.  The pelicans can steal fish scraps from the fishermen.  And the gulls can steal snacks from unwary tourists.  It's a win, win for everyone.

These shots are so great because there is no filter or photoshop work.  Just different shades of gold as you zoom in.

I like how the gulls line the rim of the roof.

Down she goes in a blaze of glory.  

Where is your favorite place to watch sunset?  Mine is on what we call our upper lot in Dominical, Costa Rica.  A lot we will probably never own.  But it will always be ours in our hearts.  For more sea birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday

Calico Jill

Have you ever heard the tale about Calico Jill the pirate cat?  Well, her tail sported a hook.  And she had a happily ever after life.  Her ship was full of mice and rats.  The end!

Tail is the theme of the week over at www.illustrationfriday.com  It wasn't hard to choose Calico Jill for the pick of the week.  Almost everything I paint has a tail. So it was easy pickings!  And her tail is multi-functional. 

All in a day's work

I titled this post All in a Day's Work because we saw all these beauties on one hike at Rookery Bay Swamp in Florida.  It was a good day to not be at work.

I call these wood storks Grandpas.  He has been included in WBW before.  But he was part of the sights and sounds on this day.

Gators!

A hawk peeking out of a nest.  Look close.

This vulture is the real pick for Wild Bird Wednesday this week. They creep me out!  

Zoo Boo

click to enlarge

5 completely random Zoobservations for Random 5 Friday

1)  The only bars I can truly get behind serve Manhattens.

2)  I have a Zoo Boo Board and a Boo Board on Pinterest.

3)  We're going to Disney's Animal Kingdom this Winter.  Yay!

4)  Zoos can make me feel blue.  Nay.

5)  I saw a Girbra at the Como Zoo.  Have you?

The Belize Zoo

What is the first thing you should do if you go to Belize?  Stay at the Belize Zoo. It's only a hop, skip and a jump from the airport.  And they have these hidden and very affordable cabanas nestled on the property.  

The next morning you can spend at the Zoo.  Before you embark on the rest of your journey through Belize.  You will see Jaguars.

But the first thing we saw were these non-residents all in a row.

This Scarlet Macaw was so curious about us.  In fact all of the rescued zoo animals are tourist friendly. I love this photo.

The birds and other animals have huge natural enclosures.

A sleepy and muddy Tapir

A Collared Aracari. He hopped along his merry way as we left his enclosure.  He followed us as long as he could. 

Another non-resident

A Keel-billed Toucan.  He was trying to eat my camera! I love this photo too.  Even with the bars.

A beautiful Ocelot.   She trotted right up to us.

Her markings are amazing.  For more on the Belize Zoo click here  And if you enjoyed this post be sure to follow me in my sidebar.  I hope you won't regret it!

For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday