Plein Air Georgia Paint Out

(click on image to enlarge)

I'm really looking forward to this event Saturday!  I've painted with Phyllis Franklin and this group before at Callaway Gardens and came away from the day with the painting below of a bronze sculpture of herons placed in the edge of the lake at the Discovery Center there.  I'm thrilled that they are doing something this close to my home at Indian Springs.  It's sponsored by friends of mine, Andi Kulp and Kathy Socha, at Generations Gallery with help from Preston King, who taught a great pastel workshop that I took and participated with me in the Madison paint out.  It will be a great day of painting and fellowship!

"Herons at Callaway"  16"x20" acrylic

(please excuse the lousy photo)

Let the painting begin!

 Darien, GA is known for it's fishing fleet and Old South charm

Would love to show you my kick-start into the next production "clump", but it is a surprise for my upcoming show at The Old Jail Art Center starting with the reception on June 25th in Darien, Georgia.  Some of the members of the McIntosh Art Association responded to my call for reference pictures that I will use to paint from.  They have no idea which ones I've chosen or how I have used them for reference.  They won't know until opening night.  Therefore, it looks like my blogging may be a little sparse for the next few weeks.  If you'll recall, I did this last year in September at my local art association and it was a big hit.  Here's a link that explains the process in a little more detail and shows samples to those who may not have been around for the last 'interactive show'.  

Behind the scenes

Like a lot of artists that I know, I tend to work in "clumps".  I have been in heavy production over the last six months up until two weeks ago.  The upcoming July/August/September guest artist solo show is already set up and that schedule is made.  I've taken the last two weeks to do some research on galleries and art activities that are within a 2 hour radius of home, done some reading of the known art marketing gurus and thinking about where I'm going.  Doing all the business end stuff, too... updating bio, printing some portfolios, doing website updates, etc...lots and lots of etc.  I've made appointments with two more galleries nearby and entered a couple of national contests that are really stretching me. I still see another few days of getting my "map" ready before another production run is in order. 
There are lots of exciting avenues to follow.  I like to have enough flexibility to remain spontaneous, yet I need enough structure and pressure to keep me moving sanely forward.
A calendar just doesn't cut it for me. I have adopted a CPM (Critical Path Method) from years of working with my husband's construction company.  It really works well for us visual folks. I draw out a time line with spaced out commitments and then place "clumps" of activity along the line.  It enables me to see where and how things have to overlap.   Too much overlapping and I get stressed out and my inner artist starts to revolt. This visual aid helps me see at a glance if I can say 'yes' to an opportunity without jeopardizing commitments I've already made.  It also enables me to say 'no' with less guilt to time bandits that crop up.  This next six month period looks very interesting and the groundwork is being laid for a terrific beginning to 2011. 
In order to "refill the well", I also have been working in the garden, raising some chicks and mulling.  I do mulling really well... I have to watch that one!

EBSQ Spotlight today

Of all the portraits and figurative works to choose from, I find it interesting (and gratifying) that fellow artists from EBSQ chose to feature "One Down, Two to Go" in today's spotlight.  As with most of my paintings, there's a story behind why the foreground figure's head goes beyond the canvas.  His face is not visible, yet it is still very much a portrait in that those who know him immediately recognize him by his body language, environment and activity.  The 'slice of life' activity is the subject of the painting and his body language indeed tells the tale.  His four-year-old daughter took the photo that I used as a reference and the painting is very true to what she captured as a moment in their daily lives.  After all, our activities as people extend us all beyond the page, don't you think?

I had the opportunity to get my first public reaction to this painting in my recent solo show.  Some "got it" and some didn't... but it was not neutral.  That bit of mystery and handling of the face, or lack thereof, caused conversation and inquiry and perhaps a questioning within of how we see the world around us. I can live with that!   Here's the spotlight:

EBSQ Spotlight on Portraits & Figurative Art: Pat DeVane Burns

by blumoo on May 13, 2010

 

This month’s featured gallery is Portraits & Figurative Art. Portraits are the artistic representation of an individual or individuals with the face as the focus. The term “figurative art” most frequently refers to the representational depiction of a human or animal figure. Often they are deeply personal – either to the artist, because of the emotions being expressed by the subject or because of the emotions these works illicit from us. They delight, disturb and connect us. During the month of May, we are going to take a few moments to catch up with some of the EBSQ artists that create some of these evocative pieces of art.

Pat DeVane Burns

    "One Down, Two To Go"             - Pat DeVane Burns

"What is so intriguing to me about forms and faces, be it person or animal, is that each one is an individual… alike in so many ways, but different.  It is my challenge as the artist to see what is unique about the body language, the nuance of expression, the coloration, the personality and to translate what might be considered intangible into a tangible painting of that individual". – Pat DeVane Burns

Like what you see here?  We hope you’ll consider leaving a comment or subscribing to one of our feeds. Never miss another cool post from EBSQ. Subscribe to EBSQ: Art Meets Blog v2.0 by Email today!

And the winner is...

..... Italia Johnson!  Congratulations to Italia for winning a print of my painting "When are we going?" today.

Yesterday was the last day of my solo show at Art on the Avenue in Macon and I had packed up the artwork in my daughter's van.  Once home, I was busy unloading when my photography neighbor, Donna Brown, called.  "Join me at an open air arts and crafts market at Wesleyan College tomorrow... it's free, they provide the tables and it's only from 9AM 'til 1PM."  Why not?  That way I can postpone unpacking all the little stuff until tomorrow. It was a beautiful day and I met lots of wonderful people just enjoying being outdoors.  I even reconnected with a client that I did a commission for close to eight years ago!  I set up a fishbowl to give away a print and let my granddaughter, Evie, pull out the winning entry.  I'm not sure I would have gone had I not already had everything prepared, tagged and ready... and what a nice experience to share my art that I would have missed.  I learned something by seizing the opportunity.

Paint America Top 100 feature

I invite you to go to Paint America's blog where I am one of the featured artists this week.  Such an honor!

Breakfast Club - WIP

I had a blast at the Paint Out in Madison, Georgia this past Saturday...talking to the many locals and tourists that frequent the downtown square and chumming with other artists.  My sister met me there and we turned it into a mini-vacation   I've been back since Sunday noon, but this is the first chance I've had to post.  Life is busy with family and art...I'm lovin' it!

This 16" x 20" acrylic on canvas was what I painted plein air on Saturday.  Because of time and reference constraints, I left out one of the three figures I wanted to put in this group of men.  As I was setting up on this very overcast day, a group of ten or so men exited the corner restaurant.  They are a group of locals who meet on Saturday mornings for breakfast.  Most had dispersed by the time I could get to them to ask if they would linger a few moments for me to sketch them, but I got four to remain.  I also snapped a picture and the seated gentleman offered his name, as his wife is involved with the Cultural Center that co-sponsors the Paint Out... my good fortune.  Anyway, I had to turn the painting in for the afternoon auction as you see it here, so I'm not surprised it did not sell, as I can see fundamental compositional errors that I can now tackle back in the studio.  I want to add the third man to complete the composition and create a "conversation".  I'd also like to refine the figures and correct some proportion errors.  I'm pretty happy with the overall brushwork and the feeling ... it rings true to the place and time, so I'll probably leave that pretty much as is.

Plein Air Paint Out

Last year was such fun that I made sure to schedule this one in again!  This small town is buzzing with activities this weekend and the weather promises to be beautiful.  Join us if you can!

Solo Selections

Now that the reception for "Conversations in Paint" has so successfully passed, Art on the Avenue would like to release this link to Solo Selections , where you can scroll through all of the artwork offered at the show.

I hope you enjoy!

Reception Rainbow

Wow... I am still processing last night's reception to "Conversations in Paint" that Art on the Avenue held for me!  The outpouring support from everyone was truly a humbling experience.  I tried to speak to each person, but I know there were some that I simply could not get to during the busiest part of the evening.  Please know that I appreciate your being there so much to share my love of art.

There are too many people to thank here, and I want to thank you individually anyway, so I'll just post a few photos taken last night for all to enjoy.  Please also check out Art on the Avenue's Facebook page in the next day or so, as I'm sure they will post some, too.

I had to share this one, taken during the reception by photography friend, Donna Brown, just outside the gallery door.  Note that the sign where the rainbow starts says "PURE".  That just about sums it up!

Ken and Pat Ewing, fellow artists and now collectors, drove all the way to middle Georgia from Virginia just to surprise me ... and they did!  My heart-felt thanks for your support.

My most distant fan, Miguel Tello, shown here with his parents Penny and Mike, is from Argentina.  I was glad to catch him while he was here visiting and so pleased that they took the time out of a busy schedule to share the evening with me.  Thanks, guys!

Gratitude to Pam, for bringing her mother, Patsy Fried, a dear client who has commissioned me in the past to portray their pet lion, Fritz, in a "Spirit in Stone".  What a pleasure to see you both.

Martha Thompson, long time friend and painting buddy, with Virgil Cooper, who greatly honored me by giving my painting series of four seasons in birds a new home.  Hope you enjoy them for many years to come, Virgil!

Walter and Vicki Ellison(on the left), who own two 4' x 8' paintings of mine, were welcomed guests.  He has promised to bring me a huge slab of stone he found on his property several years ago to try to find a "spirit" in.... bring it on, Walter!

Well, about now it started getting so busy that the camera became an after-thought.  Here's hoping that  Ginger, Mary Jane and Debbie can help fill in the gaps with their pictures.

What a rewarding night for my art spirit... thanks to all!

Bluegrass Soy Sauce

"Bluegrass Soy Sauce"

24" x 30" oil on canvas

This is the last painting I've finished for the show tomorrow night.  I hope no one tests it to see if it's dry!  I posted several "work in progress" shots of this painting way back in Jan/Feb.  Once I set it aside to dry for the next layer, it seems other paintings kept jumping in front of it to be completed.  I'm pleased with the final results, though.  It is subtle and vibrant all at the same time.  Once it's had a chance to cure and the glaze goes on, the finishes of the paint will match and it will look even better.

There's an interesting story behind this painting.  Matt Jamie, the man in the painting, is the owner of Bourbon Barrel Foods.  Garden & Gun Magazine sent me an email that had this incredible picture of Matt testing his Bluegrass Soy Sauce that he ages in bourbon barrels.  I got in touch with Matt and asked his permission to paint from that photograph, taken by Chris Witzke, which he so generously allowed me to do.

Do visit his web site and check out this small, personal company that puts a unique twist on creating flavorful seasonings and sauces. 

"All American" is a winner!

I just got the good news that "All American" won Second Place in the Georgia in Bloom Art Fest in Madison, Georgia last night.  I had made plans to attend the reception with my son, but after watching the weather forecast and seeing those red and yellow blotches coming across the radar, my husband said that he'd rather we were not on the road...it's a one-hour trip one way from my house.  I have never heard thunder quite like last night's.  It sounded like multiple cannons going off with deep rumblings over long stretches of time.  I'm glad our house was not in the direct path.

I am praying that the weather is good for my reception Tuesday night at Art on the Avenue!  I only have one painting left on the easel drying.  There's a floor easel waiting to receive it at the gallery.  Are you like me and always have one important piece just making under the wire for a show? 

Poached Salmon

"Poached Salmon"

10" x 22" acrylic on blue shalimar

...a 'Spirit in Stone'

This is the latest in a series of new 'Spirits in Stone' that will be presented in "Conversations in Paint" at Art on the Avenue from April 27th - May 7th.  Mary Jane is busy as I write this, doing her magic...hanging the show.

Tomorrow we do a little TV spot on local station WMAZ to help get the news out.

The van was well-packed and it was amazing that I managed to get it all in without packing one of our cats in with the artwork.. They are so curious that it's quite aggravating... having to close the door to the van between each trip in and out of the studio.  Piggy, in particular, is a rather large cat and loves to dig into any box or squeeze behind any painting.  I'm glad that all I have left to do is label and sleeve some prints.  Whew!

You are invited!

The past few months have been very focused!  I have come to believe that solo shows are like paintings... you never really finish; you just stop in interesting places.  I hope that the folks that make the effort to come see close to eighty (yes, 80!) creations will feel my passion for this thing called art.

Close to 40 pieces have never been seen by the public.  Most have been created within the last 18 months.  A few are favorite works that have graced my walls and are being offered for sale for the first time to make room for the next chapter of my artistic life.  A few others are works that are special pieces in collections that I've borrowed simply for your viewing enjoyment.  I have so many more images rattling around inside my heart and head that need to take form on canvas, panel, sculpture or stone.  My thanks to all who encourage me and who put up with me when I have my blinders on...you are special people!

Getting ready

I promise you that I have not disappeared!  This past weekend, all the framing equipment was set in the barn/shop and hubby and I are busy framing artwork for my solo show.  All the work has to be delivered by next Friday so that MJ can do what she is so masterful at doing... hanging a cohesive show for the enjoyment of all who come.  Macon Magazine has published a very nice little article on the show, written by Johanna Anderson.  Debbie has posted some pieces on the Art on the Avenue Facebook page that I haven't even seen yet. Macon Arts has it listed on their calendar and I'm scheduled to appear on WMAZ's morning feature live TV spot Sat April 24th.  There's still an unfinished oil on the easel and plenty of stones waiting to come to life.  I promise to fill you all in within a few days, but for now... it's back to the framing!!!

After the Bath

"After the Bath"

2" x 4" acrylic on red/gray striated slate

... a 'Spirit in Stone'

This is a sweet little stone with such a shallow relief that you almost have to use your fingernails to follow it.  I left the body and the upper left corner the natural color of the stone.  Some small pieces like this I have turned into broaches, but given the subject matter of this one, I think I'll just offer it bare.  Maybe someone will put her in a shadow box or let her be a paper weight.

Irish Setter

 "Irish Setter"

10" x 10" acrylic on blue shalimar

... a 'Spirit in Stone'

What a terrific profile and relief of the ear, neck and muzzle in this stone!  The only bad thing is that there is a terrific smallmouth bass in relief on the other side, but this Irish setter was just too amazing to pass up.  Dogs tug on my heartstrings more than fish, for sure. This stone will be in my solo show at Art on the Avenue along with about twenty other stones.  

This is the first time I've had a group of stones up for show and sale in many years.  I've done a few on commission, but have been concentrating on my other paintings since returning to the studio not quite two years ago.  The six years before that were basically spent working outside the art world with the exception of family paintings.  It's a crazy economic time to be re-emerging, but the outside world just refuses to follow my time line.  If I were president, I think I'd mandate that everyone had to purchase original artwork instead of health insurance... it would make people happier and healthier!  Just joking - I prefer freedom of choice, don't you?

In Hot Company

"In Hot Company"

8" x 13" acrylic on gessoed masonite

Here's another one of those paintings that has tickled my mind for some time.  I've never put the original up for sale before, although I've sold at least a dozen prints of it in the 11" x 14" format that you see below.  It's been hanging in my kitchen for ten years.  Today I took the jigsaw to it and cut the original down to 8" x 13" ... no more tickle!

Feathers for Supper

"Feathers for Supper"

12" x 26" acrylic on blue shalimar

...a 'Spirit in Stone'

This is a depiction of a bluebird narrowly missing being supper for a red fox.  The remarkable reliefs in this stone include the fox's tail and hind quarters and the bird's upper wing, head and beak... not to mention the overall shape of the stone to get both subjects in perspective to tell a story. 

Cathedral Grove II

"Cathedral Grove II"

24" x 48" acrylic on gessoed masonite

I painted this scene in 1997 based on a black and white photo of my uncle's pecan grove. I had positive feedback on it at two shows but could not sell it because my son claimed it.  So here it is again, or at least a very similar one, hence the "II" in the title.  This one will be for sale at my solo show in April.... unless someone is interested before then.  If that is the case, just drop me an email.

23rd Annual Coastal National Juried Exhibit

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend myself, but two of my paintings will be in the gallery... just a stone's throw from the pier on St. Simons Island.  Please go by the show if you get the chance and let me know what you think.  There are some super artists every year in this much anticipated coastal show.  I'm so honored to have been juried into it this year!

Good news from EBSQ

EBSQ Blogger of the Week: Pat Burns

by Amanda Makepeace on March 30, 2010

This week’s EBSQ Blogger of the Week is a fellow Georgia artist with a passion for nature and wildlife. More recently she’s turned her attention to capturing moments in life that sometimes go unseen, but no matter what she’s painting her art is full of heart.

Wow... thanks, Amanda!  Click here to read my interview yesterday with Amanda.

Carrot Top

"Carrot Top"

8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite

I snapped a few pictures of this fiery redhead several years ago at an outdoor festival being held on the street where she and her rather rotund cat lived.  Actually I had a booth set up right in front of her house.  This cat was fearless... weaving in and out of everybody and everything.  Even the live jazz band didn't phase him.  Her dad asked her to put him in the house for fear that he would get lost or wind up packed away in someone's stuff at the end of the day.  What a great pair they make!

Sunset Tom

"Sunset Tom"  ...a 'Spirit in Stone'

18" x 28" acrylic on blue shalimar

This is another of the stones that I have reserved over the years for display.  The relief and textures are absolutely amazing!  That God can carve out these creatures in perfect conformation and allow me to see them just amazing... I can't think of a better word.  It just gives me goosebumps to find such a stone as this!

Pink: with Attitude!

"Pink: with Attitude!"

6" x 6" acrylic on gessoed masonite

Our cat, Morris, has perfected the "drop dead!"  look.  I had intended on painting the background of this little 'funsie' green to match his eyes, but that look just begged to say, "So I like pink...wanna make something of it?!"

Pond Jewels - modified

OK...here's a good reason to have a blog.  Once I posted the picture and really looked at it and read what I said, I thought "Well, if the sunlight needs enhancing on larger piece, couldn't it stand enhancing on this one?  And that crazy little goldfish swimming right out of the bottom of the painting needs to go!"  So, instead of just editing my post, I edited the painting and re-posted to let you see what those changes look like.  Another very frustrating thing when you work with dark transparent glazes: the scanner loses so much of the subtle color going on in the shadows, but if I take it outside in sunlight, I lose the details in the flower and get reflective bounce all over the place; so you'll have to imagine it somewhere in between.  One of these days I'm going to set up a photo box!

Pond Jewels - a study

"Pond Jewels"

8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite
 

I must admit that I spent quite a while on this one trying out different water effects... ultimately trying to get too much information into such a small format.  I never bored with it, though, and have decided to use it as a study for a larger painting.  Water needs to be "swished" and that's hard to do for me on such a small scale. Give me a small brush and I get carried away with the details!  I do love all the dark shadows and that one spot of bright sunshine, which I think could be enhanced in a larger piece.  My goldfish are much larger now.  I've got one that is about 5 years old that my son says is ready for the frying pan. 

"Survival"

"Survival"

20" x 36" acrylic on blue shalimar

...a 'Spirit in Stone'

Here's another BIG stone!  I can see this one embedded in the rock of a fireplace above the mantel, can't you?  The relief on the eagle is a good half inch or more.  Even the antlers are in relief.  There are actually two winter-beaten wolves in there... do you see the second shadowy one?

Lion King

"Lion King"

24" x 26" acrylic on blue shalimar

This large 'Spirit in Stone' has also been a part of my private collection .  It has been great a display piece when I do demonstrations at schools or art associations. He just oozes 'majesty'!  Again, it's nearly impossible to appreciate him without feeling the texture and the 3-D relief of the stone.

If you want to paint on stones, let me suggest that you scrub, rinse and dry them really well.  I do not prime them, preferring to use as much of the stones natural color and texture as possible.  I use Winsor-Newton finest artist's grade tube acrylic.  Other brands do not adhere well.  Allow to completely dry then give it a coat of poly-acrylic to seal the stone.  If it will be displayed outdoors, you will want to add more coats and seal the back and sides as well.  I've got one that has been in my garden for 10 years with little sign of wear.

Four Seasons in Birds

"Spring"

"Summer"

"Fall"

"Winter"

All of these are 8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite and I plan to frame them alike for the upcoming show.  That way, they can be bought as a set if desired.  I chose to paint birds and flowers as I find them in my own yard here in Georgia during the four seasons.  I'm presently working on a larger piece that has this same warm lavender background that I find yummy... I even have two walls in my livingroom in it!

EBSQ Art of the Day

"School Days" was selected as 'Art of the Day' on the EBSQ site today as they close out a week of highlighting the color yellow.  As such, it was emailed out to over 12,000 subscribers... WooHoo!

Out of Africa

"Out of Africa"

18" x 28" blue shalimar stone mounted on 24" x 36" panel

...a 'Spirit in Stone'

This is an older stone...one of only six stones that I have not put up for sale because they are so difficult to find in this size.  Please do enlarge and check out the texture in this old bull's trunk...it is amazing!  I mounted this one (no easy feat due to its' weight) because the stone gets thinner at the edge of the ears and shalimar will break if dropped.  The edges can also cut you if thin, as I have found out.  I have enjoyed this in my home for about ten years and I'm considering making it available at the solo show in April, along with several others that I've enjoyed as long.  It's a hard decision, though, as this old boy has become a member of the family.

'Spirits in Stone'

For the past two weeks I've been painting 'Spirits in Stone' for my upcoming solo show.  Let me explain.  I take a stone as I find it in nature and look at the shapes, textures and colors that I find... much like looking for images in clouds.  Then I paint what I see without altering the stone... no chipping allowed!  I hesitate to present them in photographs because the only way to truly experience them is to put your hands on them.  Feel them.  Each stone is a gift, waiting to tell us something of our connection to the Earth, to Time and to the Creator... I am just an interpreter.  Here are a few:

"Avoiding the Badger"

8" x 25"

"Elephant Walk"

8" x 14"

"Polar Scent"

10" x 18"

So far I have 14 with high hopes of having 24 to offer at my show.

The foxes are finished!

"Georgia Red"

30" x 40" acrylic on deep gallery-wrapped canvas

After applying the marvelous suggestions from Deb Pero and Debbie Anderson, I'm calling this one finished.  I like the way the colors harmonize now.  I removed what Debbie called a 'cinnamon bun' root that was distracting as well as adding the warm reflected light that Deb suggested.  Thanks, you two!  I really believe this is a much stronger composition than the original and I certainly learned a lot by going back into it.

This painting, along with about 50 others at last count, will be available at my solo show in late April at Art on the Avenue in Macon, GA.

Deb Pero's helpful critique on the foxes

 

Friend and super-artist, Deb Pero, sent me this fabulous critique with the above photo-shopped image:

Hi Pat, this is a really interesting piece. I like it quite a bit, and have spent some time really comparing the before and after versions.
I like the simplified foreground, and I think the new pose of the mom makes quite a dramatic difference - much more focused and intense center of interest.

Here's my thoughts.  Since sunlight is warm in temperature, the reflected light bouncing back up onto the mother fox's neck and head will also have some of that warmth
in it.  I think if you added some warmer temperature color into that bounced light, then there will be a greater feeling of sunlight.  The kits, being in the shadow, will be cooler, but they almost look TOO gray to me.. perhaps a cooler version of their light reddish/gold coats - yellow ocher or some alizarin mixed in.


I tried to simulate this in photoshop, but it's like painting in gummy worms (as Stapleton says) so it's pretty crude. the white arrows indicate places where you could have some of the warm light bouncing up, and the blue circles are places where you could have a cooler version of the kit's golden coats, instead of all blue shadows.The right color was hard to find there just drawing it in, more subtle than I could do with the brush tool, but maybe you can get the idea.   I also blurred it so that the abrupt color changes of my blobby scribbles were less noticeable.

Well, you asked for thoughts, and that's mine. I  hope it is helpful.
deb

It will probably be Monday before I can play with these great tips, along with a few from Debbie Anderson, another great artist friend who saw it in person to critique.  Thanks to both of you for taking your valuable time to help me grow!  I know these tips will help others, too, so I share them here.

Revisiting "Georgia Red"

 

One of my goals this year is to revisit a few paintings as part of the learning process.  I've been playing with this 30"x 40" acrylic on deep gallery-wrapped canvas one for the last two days... see the 'before' below.  It's still a work in progress, but I need to sleep on it and look at it with fresh eyes tomorrow.  The funny thing is that I thought I liked this painting when I finished it back in 2008.  Sometimes it's best to gesso over a problem painting and go at it fresh, but I have learned a LOT from this one by tackling some weak points. Critiques are very much welcomed in the comments!  

Miss Peck with Chicks

 

"Miss Peck with Chicks"

8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite

Yesterday I showed you these same three chicks at the half-grown stage.  Stands to reason that I would now show you these cuties about a week old.  Miss Peck made the greatest mother.. nothing, and I do mean NOTHING ! ... could come close to those chicks without being confronted.  We have eight cats and every one of them would cross the yard to avoid getting anywhere near her baby bits of fluff.  As a result, all of her chicks grew to adulthood and are now supplying us with bug control, eggs and entertainment.

Bug Patrol

 

"Bug Patrol"

8" x 16" acrylic on gessoed masonite

These three half-grown chicks take a hard look before they leap.  If it had been their mother, Miss Peck, that grasshopper would already be gone!