Coming Along

This first photo is from about a week ago. I was attempting to create more dramatic lighting in the storm clouds, but pretty soon saw that even though the idea might have potential the clouds were far too distracting for this piece.


So I took some shades of gray and completely altered the mood and color of the clouds. It needs lots of work to smooth it out some and build continuity, but I'm much happier with the sky now. Of course, the water will need a grayer tone too.

The Scaup is nearly done, the wings (especially the right one) need to be detailed.

Exciting News!

Yesterday I received a call from Lori Fujimoto of the American Birding Society regarding their Young Birder of the Year competition which I spent all summer preparing for. You may remember that I posted some stuff relating to the contest last year--here are a few links.

Artwork

You're Only Young Once

This Must Be God's Hand

Adam's Visit #1

Adam's Visit #2

Adam's Visit #3

Adam's Visit #4

Adam's Visit #5

Adam's Visit #6

But you probably didn't take the time to look at any of those 'cause you want to know WHAT ON EARTH IS SO EXCITING!! :) Two words.

I won!

I've been selected as the ABA's young birder of the year, a dream come true. All that hard work payed off. ;) You can find out more about the contest here. I can't wait to receive the judges' comments.

To God be the glory,

Benjamin

Harry Potter and the Lavender Brigade

An insightful critique of the popular Harry Potter series by Doug Phillips.

It's fairly long, but well worth the read, especially for those struggling with the issue of whether or not Rowling's Harry Potter novels are lawful literature for the Christian to read.

Painting

I've now added texture to the white and black feathers, and toned down the blue bill. Electric blue was a little much, I think. ;)

When I've finished most of the detailing on the scaup, I intend to completely revamp the storm clouds with warmer tones and glowing accents along the edges. This may mean lending a warmer tone to the rest of the image too, but I'll wait and see.

Funny

World famous wildlife artist Guy Coheleach discussed one of his most detailed paintings of a striped bass approaching a sand worm. "I caught the striped bass at night. I kept it alive and painted it in the morning, then ate it and at night went to catch another one. I finished the painting right in the boat with the live fish so the colors were accurate." :)

Taken from "Wildlife Artists at Work" by Patricia Van Gelder