First and foremost, I want to relay my deepest and heart felt thank you to all who have stopped by and left such endearing condolences for the loss in our family. Your thoughts and prayers lifted my spirits. I really, really found comfort with your kind words.
Now...I get back to regular blogging.
To recap, I began painting a couple of weeks ago; my most recent project. This is my created rainbow of colors..
I started with a sketch as seen here and then blending some colors for the background complexion to appear a bit 'swampy' on a hot summer's day. While I let the first step of painting dry overnight, I studied over and over the size, shape and feather colors of the wood duck, so I could have the 'model' etched on my brain to begin painting in the details. 
By the way, this duck, I have only seen once in my lifetime...and that was decades ago when I lived in Colorado. Now, I am on a quest to find one in Texas. So far, no wood ducks have been photographed...but I keep hoping. Some day, I will spot one hidden in the reed grasses and sneak up on it before it flies off and get a photo to add to my bird photo collection. Some day!!! Working a bit on it here and there, while allowing certain areas of paint to dry before continuing to add more elements, the colors and shape of the duck began to form, revealing the duck I would like to see again in real time. 
I know they are in south Texas; I've had emails from other birders telling me they have spotted them. In the meantime, I will have only this to remind me of my quest. When the painting was near complete, I added the minute details of feathers and markings and framed it. It's now part of my dining room wall of my other bird paintings of the Indigo Bunting, Cardinal, Tri-colored Heron, Brown Pelican, Ruby Throated Hummingbird, and Great Blue Heron.
By the way, this duck, I have only seen once in my lifetime...and that was decades ago when I lived in Colorado. Now, I am on a quest to find one in Texas. So far, no wood ducks have been photographed...but I keep hoping. Some day, I will spot one hidden in the reed grasses and sneak up on it before it flies off and get a photo to add to my bird photo collection. Some day!!! Working a bit on it here and there, while allowing certain areas of paint to dry before continuing to add more elements, the colors and shape of the duck began to form, revealing the duck I would like to see again in real time. 
I know they are in south Texas; I've had emails from other birders telling me they have spotted them. In the meantime, I will have only this to remind me of my quest. When the painting was near complete, I added the minute details of feathers and markings and framed it. It's now part of my dining room wall of my other bird paintings of the Indigo Bunting, Cardinal, Tri-colored Heron, Brown Pelican, Ruby Throated Hummingbird, and Great Blue Heron. | ||
| "Silent Wings" |
- - -
I'm always raring to go walking for the exercise and fresh air!! And check for...you know....those feathered beasties that sometimes elude my camera lens...
There are days when we're out with our binoculars but only a few birds, if any, are seen. That's when I begin looking at my surroundings. One day it may be the wonders of the sky...
...other times I see sun drenched tidal pools with the sea breeze creating ripples that dazzle the eyes like diamonds...
There are days when we're out with our binoculars but only a few birds, if any, are seen. That's when I begin looking at my surroundings. One day it may be the wonders of the sky...
 |
| Seen high above...a flock of Sandhill Cranes! |
 |
| The sun rays warmed my soul! |
...other times I see sun drenched tidal pools with the sea breeze creating ripples that dazzle the eyes like diamonds...
...the colors of the rainbow are everywhere:
...other times, the unique or 'one of a kind'. Some things you just don't see everyday! Like...
A PINK 'CAT'---
---or, nature's hearts!
...even, at times, city ordinances show a rainbow of color!
SO NEXT TIME SOMEONE TELLS YOU TO Take a Hike! - Take in the colors and shapes around you.
Hello Anni, what a great post. Starting with your beautiful wood duck drawing to the sky shots, pretty flowers and the cute cows. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eileen...and thank you for hosting the critter party!
DeleteGood morning Anni!
ReplyDeleteOh my word the painting is gorgeous...maybe even more so than the real duck!
The pink cat cracked us up!
Hugs
Madi and mom
...thanks M&M...and that pink cat, I knew you two would love it.
DeleteInteresting sights from your walks. I don't think I have ever seen a pink cat before, but I applaud whomever it belongs to. Your painting is AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend.
...thanks Terri. No, I too have never seen a pink cat in my life 'til this one.
DeleteAnni, great posting. Painting captured the essence of the bird. Pink cat, indeed. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete...thank YOU for your compliments Doug.
DeleteLove the Pink Cat!
ReplyDeleteI'm just getting caught up. So sorry to hear about your brother-in-law.
Hugs,
Lois
...thank you kindly Lois.
DeleteLike the duck painting, you are invited to share this with Feline Art Friday:
ReplyDeletehttp://kittypartay.blogspot.com/2015/01/feline-art-friday_29.html
...thanks Julie. I took your invitation and ran directly to the art party.
Deletebeauty everywhere
ReplyDelete...indeed. All we have to do is look around us.
DeleteMaybe it's a woman running that pink cat. You take some lovely photos. Glad you're safely back to blogging.
ReplyDeleteI thought the same Paula!! Either that or he knows of someone that is a breast cancer survivor!!! Thank you for your sentiments.
Deleteawesome duck painting. love the cattle.
ReplyDelete...thanks Ms. T. Means a lot to me coming from you who can draw and paint perfect images!!
DeleteLove the pink caterpillar!!!! Love pink!
ReplyDeleteI like certain shades of pink too.
DeleteFirst of all, Anni, I'm so sorry about the loss of your brother-in-law. Never easy to lose a loved one. Now, that pink cat is the best and I bet a woman owns it, too!! Your duck painting is superb and I did so enjoy all of your photos for the day!! Hope your weekend is going well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sylvia...you made my day.
DeleteWow, Anni! I'm so impressed with your painting!
ReplyDelete...Thanks!!!
Deletehi Anne ... so sorry about your brother-in-law. Loosing loved ones is so hard. My sister died on Christmas day (my birthday) and was sad to loose the last of my six siblings, but happy that she is in a better place. She was 93 and in a care facility.
ReplyDeleteLove your beautiful sky pictures. That pink CAT sure makes a statement.
Blessings,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures ...thanks for the visit and nice comment.
...thanks for coming over to Hootin' Anni's Audrey!!
DeleteThank you for visiting our blog today.
ReplyDeleteLovely painting and photos!
Thank YOU Marie, for taking time to stop by!
DeleteYour painting is stunning! I have no artistic talent at all. You have put glorious details in there. A pink CAT, well, I never!! Welcome back, I have missed you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Ginny.
DeleteAnnie, I saw so many ducks at Chatfield this week - I didn't photograph any of them, but now I'll keep my eyes open for a Wood Duck. I enjoyed seeing your painting progress from the sketch stage. I wish I had your talent. That pink Cat is something! (Maybe a woman operates it?) I like what your eyes saw and your lenscaptured this week.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't tell from the distance I was from the pink cat what gender, I'm thinking if it was a man, perhaps he knows of a female cancer survivor?!!
DeleteThanks Barb.
Hhi Anni You are quite the artist and your painting is stunning. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDelete...thanks Margaret.
DeleteWelcome back. Missed you!! Love the pink CAT!! Your photos are always wonderful.
ReplyDelete...thanks Terri
DeleteYour bird paintings are beautiful, Anni. Love the sky pictures and the cattle, too.
ReplyDelete...thanks Pat
Deletewow on the pink cat.. never seen one like it...your painting is beautiful. we have a few here so maybe one will fly across the gulf to your place. we had a mother wood duck and her 6 ducklings in our pool last summer. my favorite shot today is the COWS... I do love cows...
ReplyDeleteI did not know that about you...liking cows so much. My mom was the same way.
DeleteOh, I would've loved seeing the ducklings.
Thanks Sandra
Anni!! I love those sky shots and I LOVE that painting of the wood duck. You are ultra talented :)
ReplyDelete...you make me blush...thanks for such positive feedback!!
DeleteI love your wood duck. So what is the Corpus Christi PD guarding so well?
ReplyDeleteThanks Yogi...and to answer your question, I haven't the faintest idea what's behind the fencing.
DeleteYou are so talented! The painting is amazing. I enjoyed the hike with you too. Beautiful sky and so many sights to take in.
ReplyDelete...thanks Mari
DeleteAnni, I'm so sorry for the loss in your family, it is so hard when some one we love is here one day and then physically no longer with us. My uncle passed away a few weeks ago, so I raw sense of this right now. Your photos as always are quite lovely. I so appreciate that you shared the love up-close with I Heart Macro this week. All the best to you and your loved ones at this difficult time.
ReplyDelete...Thanks Laura
DeleteYour painting is wonderful. I like the rainbow of colors you've found on your hikes too. It's unbelievable how much you can find if you just start looking around more
ReplyDeleteYep, and all the colors make a day complete. Thanks Ann
DeleteAwesome photos, Anni. And, your painting is lovely. The colors are so vivid. You've got me thinking it's time to get out and walk and bicycle. Hugs to you from a fellow blogger in California. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe View from the Top of the Ladder
Thank you Susiee.
DeleteOh, so good to see you back posting. I like your wood duck. I have seen one or two, but so far away no chance of taking a picture.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to say I love you closing line.
...thanks so much Rose. It means a lot to me.
DeleteWhat can't you do? As for birds I'm planning to go to "An Evening With Owls" end of Feb should be interesting.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
...just don't forget about your night out!!
DeleteYour wood duck painting is pretty, and the pink cat is a hoot!
ReplyDelete...thanks Terra.
DeleteSo happy to see your post today Anni. You have been very much in my thought at this sad time. Thanks for popping in and telling me I should visit. Absolutely loved your duck painting. What a talent you have. It is gorgeous! I loved all your photos, along with that really neat owl watermark; very clever too. I am really intrigued by the pink cat and wonder if there is a story behind it. As I type this the geese have just flown over honking. I think they are saying hi to all of us who love birds. On that note I will wish you a great day:)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure glad you stopped by today Denise....thanks. Oh to hear geese 'honking'...that would be something I have not heard in eons.
DeleteI just love those sky pictures. And the nature hearts. You are a very talented person, I love that wood duck. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeing an avid jumper I can picture you 'floating' through the clouds such as these DJ! Thanks.
DeleteThat is the first pink Caterpillar tractor I've ever seen!
ReplyDelete~
...for me too!!
DeleteYou always seem to stimulate my curiosity so I searched on the internet and found pictures of pink Caterpillar dozers, tractors and trucks. You saw one first hand, and it is special! One says, "Tough Enough to Drive Pink." A John Deer pink tractor bears the slogan, "Fight like a girl!" Breast Cancer Awareness. Now I will be looking for the wood ducks - when the weather warms up.
ReplyDeletewell then, glad to have piqued your interests.
DeleteI'm thinking it was a husband that has a wife that is a cancer survivor?!! Just my guess.
Forgot! A pink brush hog was featured in a Mow Down Breast Cancer" Campaign Giveaway in Moultree Georgia last October.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/pages/Industry-News-Bush-Hogs-Mow-Down-Breast-Cancer-Campaign-Giveaway-Winner-Announced.php
I'll have to check this out tomorrow.
DeleteI am blown away by the talent of my blogging friends! That wood duck is just gorgeous! It's funny, but ever since I picked up a camera, I see so much more than I used to. Hopefully you'll find that elusive wood duck to photograph.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy!!!
DeleteSo enjoyed this post, and most of all, your amazing talents! Wow!!! You have my full admiration!
ReplyDelete...thanks dear Shelly!! I'm glad to see you on blogger once again.
DeleteDear Anni, I am sorry for the loss of your brother-in-law. I will keep you all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteAs for taking a hike; I too love to walk and get the fresh air with my dog. It is the best time. I love to walk, take in the sites and feel the sun and sometimes even the drizzle on my face. I understand why you love walking.
The picture of the duck that you did is wonderful.
xoxo Catherine
Scrolling back, I realized I have missed quite a few of your posts! There's no real excuse...I've been way behind with everyone since Christmas!!!! :-( Anyway, LOVE your painting of the wood duck! It's wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI hope you do get to Tucson this year...I am sorry by the way, about the loss of your brother-in-law! My condolences to the family. It would be a sad reason for such a trip, but I am sure the Memorial Service will be a great way to honor him. If you do come, please let me know. I'd love for us to meet.
Will check out the Tubac post after church.