Illustration Friday - Expired

"Last Rites"

Colored Pencil

This little female cardinal actually died in my hand about a week ago.  I was putting the  greyhounds out in the kennels and she crash landed through the dog door and into the wall of the kennel.  Sassy (the greyhound) grabbed her before I could, but also dropped her pretty quickly when I yelled at her.  So I'm not sure if it was the crash or the greyhound mouthing that did her in, or a combination of the two.  She died about 30 seconds after I picked her up, poor thing.  But observationist that I am, I set her aside near the outside trash cans so that I could draw her later in the day.   Todd complained a little later that the gnats were getting to her so I took pictures of her instead.  It just worked out that she was the perfect subject for this weeks Illustration Friday word.

Illustration Friday - Subterranean

The Elusive Subterranean Parakeet

watercolor and pen

I had a little observational inspiration for this week's word.  My husband, son and I  went to the Tyler Zoo on Saturday.  I had it in my head to keep my eyes open for a critter that might make a good subject for "subterranean" but it turned out to be the most unlikely candidate that I could have imagined.  In the " Wild Bird Walkabout" there was a little parakeet madly excavating a good sized hole under the edge of a rock.  Parakeets are known to hollow out trees and logs for their nests, but this may be the the first to choose a subterranean abode.  I think she knows that it will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and that she won't have to worry about termite damage later on down the road. :)

Below is a short clip of video that I took of her while she was working.

Illustration Friday - Brave

Digitally Enhanced Collage

 

"The bravest battle that ever was fought, Shall I tell you where and when?

On the maps of the world you will find it not;  It was fought by the mothers of men"

I almost didn't make it this week.  It is Spring break for us and we have been taking full advantage of the free time.  Being the mother of two marines, this week's word has had me in mind of all the parents who have children in the military.  Luckily, both of my daughters are in non-combat areas, but there are many more of our sons and daughters who are in harm's way.  I pray for their speedy and safe return.

 

Illustration Friday - Perspective

"Beyond right and wrong, there is a field. I will meet you there."

(Rumi - 13th century Persian Poet)

A double meaning for this weeks word.  I have come to realize that truth (right/wrong) is almost always a matter of perspective.  It can be difficult to remember this when we become passionate about an idea or belief, but it is the basis of wisdom.  Of course as an art teacher I had to have a little perspective drawing included as well. 

Two days till spring break!  Yippee!