Unfortunately, this sketch was sketched from 'life'. Bill found this dead hummingbird in his woodshop. We aren't sure why it died.
The colors are iridescent green or black, depending on how the light hits it -- very hard for me to depict in watercolor! This is a female black-chinned hummer; the black chin or hood appears only on the males.
Oh, what a shame, but what a wonderful opportunity! Beautiful job...
ReplyDeleteI wish I had better captured that jewel-like iridescence! She was so delicate.
ReplyDeleteFabulous job, sketching their iridescence is a difficult task even with sparkly watercolors.
ReplyDeleteYes it is! Sort of like trying to hold a rainbow in my hand.
DeleteI never before imagined what a hummingbird does when it's not flitting about madly. Absolutely stunning and brave sketch you've done!
ReplyDeleteUntil we moved to this cabin in the central Texas woods, I had never had a chance to observe them closely. It amazes me to see them actually settle down to perch on the feeder's edge or sit on a branch of a nearby crepe myrtle. And they actually chirp! Sounds sort of like a dog's squeaky toy.
DeleteIt's so lovely to see all your journaling and discoveries!
ReplyDeleteYet there is so much more I haven't sketched . . . yet!
ReplyDeleteI am currently listening to many unknown birds sing and chirp -- wish you were here to help identify them, Kate! Our woods sound tropical in the springtime.
ReplyDeleteI'm not always that great at it! That's why I take sketches and photos and check the Internet or birding friends!
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