tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46917155755317339182024-03-13T22:25:31.085-07:00Steve Kershaw Wildlife Art.A diary of my experiences sketching and painting wildlife in the british isles.Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-43187695910353260002019-01-25T04:42:00.000-08:002019-01-25T04:42:19.705-08:00BOTANICALS<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just thought that I'd like to start the new year with a collection of botanical studies I made last season and hopefully set the tone for the coming spring and summer with some colourful fauna and images of some of my favourite plants. I like to draw and paint wild flowers as I find them on my wanderings and find such studies invaluable as background to my usual subjects of birds, insects and animals. I grow many wild plants in my garden and I also have a passion for Alpine plants, Pleione Orchids and Auriculas which I cultivate in troughs or under glass! Wild flowers and Orchids have a fragile beauty which is always a challenge to the artist but which I enjoy immensely. I find artists colour pencils are a brilliant medium for such fine and delicate work and I also use watercolour pencils and gouache on tinted papers. I sincerely hope my paintings do justice to the exquisite beauty of the plants?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-39453091110328543142018-01-04T04:16:00.000-08:002018-01-04T04:16:00.123-08:00Winter Birds.<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After recent heavy falls of snow leading up to Christmas I managed to find and sketch some of our winter visitors on my local patch and further afield! I particularly like the winter thrushes that congregate wherever there are berries or fruit and which make such colourful subjects to paint. Redwings are a favourite and I was lucky enough to encounter a small flock of these not far from where I live. It was a bitterly cold day and a blizzard was laying a thick coating of snow among the branches of some Crab Apple trees laden with ripe fruit! The birds where far too preoccupied to notice me and so it enabled me to get very close as to almost touch them. I persevered as long as I could despite frozen fingers and unbearable cold until I could stand it no longer and had to retire! I took enough information home with me so that I could work some sketches into paintings later at home. These are the results!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redwing and Crab Apples.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redwing among winter fruit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aANyP3k4Wao/Wk4YmhGwebI/AAAAAAAAAeY/Sowyl7x-m2kDeq9bya-XS-4006xjrESdgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01513%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aANyP3k4Wao/Wk4YmhGwebI/AAAAAAAAAeY/Sowyl7x-m2kDeq9bya-XS-4006xjrESdgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01513%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Lapwing pair.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwJWnDnBzrE/Wk4Ys-CLKwI/AAAAAAAAAec/uYnLA_vhq8YQ6o1BHbei0gs2yeoptLfowCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01514%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwJWnDnBzrE/Wk4Ys-CLKwI/AAAAAAAAAec/uYnLA_vhq8YQ6o1BHbei0gs2yeoptLfowCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01514%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Lapwing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Woody.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dWH5PmV0bo/Wk4Y7IySaII/AAAAAAAAAes/cSVnWI0A0QMEAXPCBDqfsfqzVK2RVlfiwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01517%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dWH5PmV0bo/Wk4Y7IySaII/AAAAAAAAAes/cSVnWI0A0QMEAXPCBDqfsfqzVK2RVlfiwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01517%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magpies in a blizzard.</td></tr>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-6206212949215616852017-06-10T08:05:00.000-07:002017-06-10T08:05:08.008-07:00Seabird City. A visit to Bempton Cliffs.As you approach the nearest viewpoint you hear the faint cries and distant mewings of the birds and you glimpse vague shapes breaking the horizon above the cliffs! A feeling of excitement and anticipation makes your heart quicken and you fiddle with your camera and binoculars trying not to seem too eager to the passing strangers who smirk at the fact that they know this is your first time? Smug satisfaction is etched on their faces and the adrenalin is still pumping by the time you reach the platform! Nothing can prepare you for what you are about to witness! The sheer scale of those massive cliffs rising four hundred feet vertically from a turquoise sea, covered in a seething mass of over a quarter of a million birds! The vast flocks auks, kittiwakes and gannets hugging the wind and swirling above and below simply take your breath away! The sound is suddenly deafening and the smell hits you full on like a gale of fish stench! Someone suddenly shouts 'Puffin!' and everybody scrambles to one side in order to get a better view, cameras clicking furiously. A hundred lenses pointing and zooming and a battery of telescopes are lined up along the cliff tops! This is nature in the raw and at its most spectacular? Life and death at close quarters and behaviour that we are privileged to witness. Thanks to the work of conservation bodies such as the RSPB the birds that come here to breed are doing very well and for most species it has been a success story and we are granted access to a very special place indeed! I left with sketches and photos and memories that I will treasure for all time and I hope my paintings can convey at least some of the atmosphere of this very special place and the remarkable birds that breed here?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2QQhSr8Sg0/WTwE-Esoa7I/AAAAAAAAAdM/OuCKcJWoIUoZgG-Ti_WXdGs1Zpb17r1SgCLcB/s1600/DSC09360%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2QQhSr8Sg0/WTwE-Esoa7I/AAAAAAAAAdM/OuCKcJWoIUoZgG-Ti_WXdGs1Zpb17r1SgCLcB/s400/DSC09360%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffin Pair.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfxvaxTwEyg/WTwFIWug4wI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/yW_woLFSQJ4wm-ARgmhl67E7kiyp_Hd2gCLcB/s1600/DSC09361%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfxvaxTwEyg/WTwFIWug4wI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/yW_woLFSQJ4wm-ARgmhl67E7kiyp_Hd2gCLcB/s400/DSC09361%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wing stretching.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DBm2MQXb1c/WTwFRqfundI/AAAAAAAAAdU/YuH6BEno9zg8ipRfvsBVfow7c5JoP1mdQCLcB/s1600/DSC09359%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DBm2MQXb1c/WTwFRqfundI/AAAAAAAAAdU/YuH6BEno9zg8ipRfvsBVfow7c5JoP1mdQCLcB/s400/DSC09359%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peak a boo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QbeqOO2EyQ/WTwFZ6-7DMI/AAAAAAAAAdY/PITB5bAIHggQChJoqCOE0naZ7NrzWEHcACLcB/s1600/DSC09356%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QbeqOO2EyQ/WTwFZ6-7DMI/AAAAAAAAAdY/PITB5bAIHggQChJoqCOE0naZ7NrzWEHcACLcB/s400/DSC09356%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridled Guillemots.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--s0-7FzUvrk/WTwFkDHPdCI/AAAAAAAAAdc/azDzNharLrkhZvUXaxU21NHg-E9DQPcOQCLcB/s1600/DSC09363%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--s0-7FzUvrk/WTwFkDHPdCI/AAAAAAAAAdc/azDzNharLrkhZvUXaxU21NHg-E9DQPcOQCLcB/s400/DSC09363%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mating Razorbills.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1pLdmOrPC0/WTwFuMg5eUI/AAAAAAAAAdg/hr12Pn27VVkqtQ052ST2LLFLihn7XzICwCLcB/s1600/DSC09364%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1pLdmOrPC0/WTwFuMg5eUI/AAAAAAAAAdg/hr12Pn27VVkqtQ052ST2LLFLihn7XzICwCLcB/s400/DSC09364%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Razorbill.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kittiwake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUpV4wUoISM/WTwGBpMedgI/AAAAAAAAAdo/7PVpTXjFSncua-yu6xMwOVnbDP0Y0yEzQCLcB/s1600/DSC09358%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUpV4wUoISM/WTwGBpMedgI/AAAAAAAAAdo/7PVpTXjFSncua-yu6xMwOVnbDP0Y0yEzQCLcB/s400/DSC09358%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herring Gull.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shags at Flamborough Head.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p90mhLlqnYI/WTwGUO7Hc7I/AAAAAAAAAdw/MEKjQ7a9das5hyo9pIF2cjBqYSgIEbqWACLcB/s1600/DSC09357%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p90mhLlqnYI/WTwGUO7Hc7I/AAAAAAAAAdw/MEKjQ7a9das5hyo9pIF2cjBqYSgIEbqWACLcB/s400/DSC09357%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gannets hanging in the wind.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-snocL_qyrRE/WTwGcCZOBwI/AAAAAAAAAd0/73wePOCkoHID_UBABsVKPMKNPiwoJEoWQCLcB/s1600/DSC09367%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-snocL_qyrRE/WTwGcCZOBwI/AAAAAAAAAd0/73wePOCkoHID_UBABsVKPMKNPiwoJEoWQCLcB/s400/DSC09367%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gannet sketches.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gannet flight sketches.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffin sketches.</td></tr>
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<br />Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-23482361994752064202017-04-24T02:28:00.000-07:002017-04-24T02:30:38.680-07:00Pencil Sketching!Sometimes I like to simplify things and cut back to the bare minimum of materials in order to create more pure images? To re-connect with the subject and to concentrate on shape and form and tone! The only thing I have in order to express my thoughts and feelings are a carbon pencil and a sheet of clean white paper!<br />
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I can work quickly if necessary if the subject is fleeting or the light is inconsistent? Rapid marks and instant scribbles letting the pencil dance across the paper to it's own rhythm! Alternatively, I can take more time and try to build up layers of tone creating light and shade and detail! I mainly use two types of pencil. An 'F' and an '8B' made by 'Faber-Castell. I find I can get a wide range of tones and detail from these by varying the amount of pressure and by alternating the direction of pencil strokes! I prefer to use good quality heavy weight cartridge paper with a fine tooth whenever possible? I will be demonstrating some of my techniques at RSPB Rye Meads on Sat April 29th from 10.00 am till 5.00 pm and the following week Sunday 7th May from 11.00 am till 3.00 pm. Check out the posters below!</div>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-17933204634376093132017-02-24T05:29:00.000-08:002017-02-24T13:33:11.282-08:00Equinox!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another March, another stormy spring season and the Brown Hares are chasing each other across the wide expanse of the upper Bean valley! Buzzards and Red Kites are on the wing, mewing, eyes transfixed on the action below. There is a hint of spring in the air and the snowdrops and aconites are bursting forth in the churchyard straining desperately to catch the sun. Winter visitors such as Redwings and Fieldfares are gathering in vast flocks along the hedgerows gleaning the last of the hawes and berries that still cling to gnarled branches. Better hurry! The flail is coming! Ripping its way along the road in a whirl of noise and dust. Far better to forage the freshly exposed earth for worms along with the Partridge and Woodpigeons! In a quieter corner I can hear the skylarks singing? It reminds me of things to come and gives me heart.</span><br />
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<br />Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-43320135329585541532017-01-24T03:33:00.000-08:002017-02-24T13:34:35.280-08:00BIRDS OF PREY. Top of the food chain!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peregrine Falcon.</td></tr>
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They are fabulous, awesome and deadly! Top of the food chain and masters of their element. No wonder mankind has held them in such high regard and utmost contempt in equal measure for so long! Is there anything more majestic than a Golden Eagle soaring over the Scottish mountains or more awe inspiring than the stoop of a Peregrine Falcon striking at its quarry from a clear blue sky? I have been fortunate enough to witness these events and many more besides and I take every opportunity to sketch, paint and photograph these beautiful creatures wherever and whenever I can. The following studies were captured using both wild and captive birds over the last year or so and I hope I have managed to describe some of their majestic form and sheer beauty in pencil and paint?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Buzzard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Marsh Harriers,</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Buzzard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Sparrowhawk.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peregrine Falcon.<br />
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-8219797045782259302016-07-21T06:26:00.000-07:002017-02-24T13:35:23.505-08:00Under the surface. A Fishes Tale.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many moons ago when I was a keen angler I used to keep a diary of the various angling adventures and escapades I indulged in. I would illustrate the pages with all manner of watery creatures, various flies and lures, bits of tackle and equipment, baits used and so on and so forth! My favourite subjects though were the fish themselves. Some quick sketches but mainly painted in pen and ink from photographs taken at the time. It was a very enjoyable way of reflecting on a favourite pastime. I haven't done any fishing for a long time but I still like to observe what lies beneath the surface of a river, lake or pond at every opportunity. Visiting freshwater aquariums is a brilliant way to study how fish move in a near natural environment and I have stared into many over the years. I recently made some sketches and watercolours of some of my favourite fish which I take great pleasure in sharing on my blog.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2CvZv9bXs8/V5DKPKsUWiI/AAAAAAAAAZk/LHOm-NETk2IoEnwusVvI6mvFvrDuLqlQQCLcB/s1600/DSC05966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2CvZv9bXs8/V5DKPKsUWiI/AAAAAAAAAZk/LHOm-NETk2IoEnwusVvI6mvFvrDuLqlQQCLcB/s400/DSC05966.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chub.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tench.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILPy6PHdBCs/V5DLRvPC3vI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/C7_alMA3xTkVH-18HSggodq0McA7NufnwCLcB/s1600/DSC06129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILPy6PHdBCs/V5DLRvPC3vI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/C7_alMA3xTkVH-18HSggodq0McA7NufnwCLcB/s400/DSC06129.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudd.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perch.</td></tr>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-74528733837687353962016-04-04T01:02:00.000-07:002017-02-24T13:36:35.298-08:00Small birds with big personalities!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At this time of the year I always look forward to the onset of the breeding season and accompanying birdsong that lightens the mornings and evenings in our gardens and hedgerows? Suddenly there is an eruption of activity among the feathered community as nest building and courtship gets under way. New visitors arrive and add their song to the spring soundtrack and familiar memories are re-kindled to gladden the heart! I have been sketching some of my favourite songsters from last autumn and through the winter and added one or two spring songbirds with freshly emerging buds and flowers in a series dedicated to some of these iconic creatures! My first exhibition of the season is coming up this weekend on Sunday April 10th at RSPB THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE and I will have these works on display. I will also be at RSPB RYE MEADS SPRING FAIR on Saturday April 16th in HODDESDEN, HERTS.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stonechats and gorse.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL92fdio2AQ/VwIdCoXqkhI/AAAAAAAAAYs/JyTmOdcFr5Ad3-wg3RmHWlZFTxaTfP8WA/s1600/img554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL92fdio2AQ/VwIdCoXqkhI/AAAAAAAAAYs/JyTmOdcFr5Ad3-wg3RmHWlZFTxaTfP8WA/s400/img554.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chiffchaff and tree fruits.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_56SaUjThoQ/VwIdN6_2YPI/AAAAAAAAAY0/QvTJtFqRzs0bYPFWqHCvROpNi1Us6W0hQ/s1600/img555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_56SaUjThoQ/VwIdN6_2YPI/AAAAAAAAAY0/QvTJtFqRzs0bYPFWqHCvROpNi1Us6W0hQ/s400/img555.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Whitethroat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9hCwMctdK4/VwIeBUGBbvI/AAAAAAAAAY8/NVizsW0vEPM2oyI9Y-g159KHB3cT_Omiw/s1600/img557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9hCwMctdK4/VwIeBUGBbvI/AAAAAAAAAY8/NVizsW0vEPM2oyI9Y-g159KHB3cT_Omiw/s400/img557.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willow Warbler.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqMvD6Ef7gA/VwIeR_py99I/AAAAAAAAAZE/Xa5bax_aVKwFBmJhNBrqtKwew77QNTRhg/s1600/img558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqMvD6Ef7gA/VwIeR_py99I/AAAAAAAAAZE/Xa5bax_aVKwFBmJhNBrqtKwew77QNTRhg/s400/img558.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reed Bunting and Billberries.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skylark among Pasque Flowers.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-63306526716165890402015-08-26T06:08:00.001-07:002017-02-24T13:37:41.437-08:00Beautiful Butterflies and Artists that have Influenced me.ARTISTS THAT HAVE INSPIRED ME.<br />
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As a wildlife artist I have always looked to nature for my main source of inspiration and as a child one artist in particular had a great influence on me, 'Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe' was a prolific artist and illustrator who lived and worked during the first half of the 20th century and I came across his work through collecting tea cards as a child. My mother and grandmother always bought 'Brooke Bond' tea and I would excitedly anticipate the opening of each fresh packet of PG Tips so as to add a new card to my growing collection!<br />
Tunnicliffe's birds and animals were so beautifully painted that for many children, not only were they wonderful to look at but they were a great educational tool as well! Later I discovered Archibald Thorburn and Peter Scott and the beautiful bird paintings of Roland Green. When studying art at school I became aware of the landscapes of the French impressionists and the masterpieces of English artists such as Turner, Girtin and Constable. Marine painters such as Edward Seago and John Wilson Carmichael and the watercolours of John Sell Cottman have always filled me with awe and amazement. Latterly I have been very much inspired and influenced by modern wildlife artists such as Lars Jonsson, Tim Wootton, Nick Derry, John Threlfall and the brilliant Scottish artist Keith Brockie. I am fortunate enough to know some of these artists personally and have met and had critique of my work from some of them and much encouragement and sound advice! The Society of Wildlife Artists have also been a great source of inspiration. When I paint butterflies and insects and also botanical subjects I am mindful of the work of lesser known Hertfordshire artist Gordon Beningfield whose style is so delightful and skill so accomplished that the insects seem to fly off the paper. There are many talented artists working today who constantly amaze me but are too numerous to mention here. One only has to look on Facebook or surf the web to understand what I mean!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K3T06lQKvw4/Vd2xbMo2KqI/AAAAAAAAAXc/1Rh38zosMk4/s1600/img477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K3T06lQKvw4/Vd2xbMo2KqI/AAAAAAAAAXc/1Rh38zosMk4/s400/img477.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Blues and Small Copper butterflies with Forget me nots.</td></tr>
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BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES.<br />
I have been out and about with pencil gouache and watercolour during the summer months and the results are seen in these paintings of some of my favourite butterflies and wild flowers. Most were painted on my local patch in Hertfordshire except for the Purple Hairstreaks which I found on an Oak tree at The Lodge in Bedfordshire. I have been giving regular art demonstrations at the RSPB headquarters at THE LODGE, Sandy in Bedfordshire throughout the spring and summer and I hope to be taking an art class there on Sunday September 20th. It hasn't been a particularly favourable year for butterflies with persistent wet weather most of the time however, I did manage to catch a few dry days sketching and painting and also taking photographs to use at home!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mpVuzTtaV3s/Vd2xvhHqxcI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Y15Zi4qxrOE/s1600/img485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mpVuzTtaV3s/Vd2xvhHqxcI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Y15Zi4qxrOE/s400/img485.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Coppers and Harebells.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Blue and Clouded Yellow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Hairstreaks on English Oak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHxs6Cuj_Os/Vd2yD_VvEqI/AAAAAAAAAX8/gYIyPfuuieU/s1600/img494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHxs6Cuj_Os/Vd2yD_VvEqI/AAAAAAAAAX8/gYIyPfuuieU/s400/img494.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green-Veined Whites and Small Copper.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My up coming demo this month.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Come paint with me!</td></tr>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-68230777880882391132015-04-11T02:58:00.000-07:002017-02-24T13:40:15.089-08:00A New Spring is sprung.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't believe its been a whole year since my last post! I guess I've been somewhat preoccupied with personal and family events? Hopefully things will start to settle down and I can get back into a regular routine? I thought I'd start off by updating my blog and publishing some of my recent paintings some of which I made while exhibiting at the RSPB headquarters at 'THE LODGE' near Sandy in Bedfordshire. I have also been sketching birds of prey with particular attention to a pair of Common Buzzards that have a nest not far from where I live in Hertfordshire. Buzzards and Red Kites have been doing exceptionally well here recently and I see them quite frequently. So far, I have also seen Short Eared Owl, Rough Legged Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Little Owl, Sparrow Hawk, Tawny Owl and Kestrel all on my regular local birding trips. Last year a pair of Hobbies nested at 'THE LODGE' alongside a pair of Ravens and both pairs successfully raised young! Everyone is hoping that the same thing happens again this year?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wB5QPCbrExQ/VSjiLcHW9VI/AAAAAAAAAVc/0tbJXW2KPHw/s1600/P1060435%2BCorrection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wB5QPCbrExQ/VSjiLcHW9VI/AAAAAAAAAVc/0tbJXW2KPHw/s400/P1060435%2BCorrection.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Female Merlin at Therfield Heath.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtD3UYFssF0/VSjiQJPIBCI/AAAAAAAAAVk/WTGcs7tkbCQ/s1600/P1060436%2BCorrection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtD3UYFssF0/VSjiQJPIBCI/AAAAAAAAAVk/WTGcs7tkbCQ/s400/P1060436%2BCorrection.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Peregrine. Regularly seen in Stevenage over the winter.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1zNNiHQPEYM/VSjiUwsYPEI/AAAAAAAAAVs/lNlSo3u5uXg/s1600/P1060437%2BCorrection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1zNNiHQPEYM/VSjiUwsYPEI/AAAAAAAAAVs/lNlSo3u5uXg/s400/P1060437%2BCorrection.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Red Kites on my patch in Hertfordshire.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hobby at the Visitor Centre, THE LODGE.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfwFf866rdA/VSjiqATbdUI/AAAAAAAAAV8/3JE6xWZs6qI/s1600/img462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfwFf866rdA/VSjiqATbdUI/AAAAAAAAAV8/3JE6xWZs6qI/s400/img462.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Greater Pecker at THE LODGE.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhFkJhSiuWk/VSji38GxPeI/AAAAAAAAAWE/0nHHPhc6kWY/s1600/img331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhFkJhSiuWk/VSji38GxPeI/AAAAAAAAAWE/0nHHPhc6kWY/s400/img331.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ravens at THE LODGE.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpUcIrcIK4E/VSjjH7z_KII/AAAAAAAAAWM/k6zSOkv7vEE/s1600/img405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpUcIrcIK4E/VSjjH7z_KII/AAAAAAAAAWM/k6zSOkv7vEE/s400/img405.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Little Owl, Knebworth Estate.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ipu5q0MPzXs/VSjjVCI1z1I/AAAAAAAAAWU/l5Aa5C4EQVY/s1600/img431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ipu5q0MPzXs/VSjjVCI1z1I/AAAAAAAAAWU/l5Aa5C4EQVY/s400/img431.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wren.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKM3uvXnHOE/VSjjeQerZFI/AAAAAAAAAWc/ZmDPqdEG9wI/s1600/img438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKM3uvXnHOE/VSjjeQerZFI/AAAAAAAAAWc/ZmDPqdEG9wI/s400/img438.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spotted Flycatchers at THE LODGE.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Linnets and Thrift on the Norfolk Coast.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A4LYUmdc9X4/VSjjrdn1fkI/AAAAAAAAAWs/1V-0OpSRJeA/s1600/img449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A4LYUmdc9X4/VSjjrdn1fkI/AAAAAAAAAWs/1V-0OpSRJeA/s400/img449.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Greenfinches on feeders at THE LODGE.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mt7Tg3hntY0/VSjjyQwDvKI/AAAAAAAAAW0/EvKbhqkrmV4/s1600/img455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mt7Tg3hntY0/VSjjyQwDvKI/AAAAAAAAAW0/EvKbhqkrmV4/s400/img455.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pied Wagtails on my patch last year.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJBusznXJw0/VSjj4DgTuKI/AAAAAAAAAW8/o5gcPVKc8w8/s1600/img456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJBusznXJw0/VSjj4DgTuKI/AAAAAAAAAW8/o5gcPVKc8w8/s400/img456.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chaffinches in the garden.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tree Creeper at THE LODGE.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NttXJxprfZw/VSjhdKCfo7I/AAAAAAAAAVM/ZS4yLdkl4Y8/s1600/P1060434%2BCorrection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NttXJxprfZw/VSjhdKCfo7I/AAAAAAAAAVM/ZS4yLdkl4Y8/s400/P1060434%2BCorrection.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">COMMON BUZZARD.</td></tr>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-33320602459288289262014-03-01T03:08:00.001-08:002017-02-24T13:42:08.858-08:00A New Season.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For a while it seemed that the winter storms would never end and that spring would never arrive? However! A glimpse of hope! The birds are singing and the primroses are beginning to bloom! I have even managed to get out and do some birding and sketching and after nearly getting the car stuck in a swollen river, the waters are beginning to subside in my part of the country! I have been busy with some studies of winter thrushes and blackbirds and I have re-visited some old drawings of waders in an effort to finish them off. I have a couple of events coming up towards the end of May at the RSPB and I am quite excited if a little nervous! I hope you like the drawings and sketches</span><br />
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-50977538599738506062013-10-21T11:23:00.000-07:002017-02-24T13:43:42.734-08:00Loose Ends.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First of all I want to draw attention to my up coming exhibition which will take place at RSPB RYE MEADS near Hoddesden Hertfordshire and runs from Sat 9th until Sun 17th November2013. The theme will be Autumn Migration, and I will have my latest works on display. I hope lots of people turn up and I hope you will come and say hi?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I particularly like autumn for the diversity of migrants that can turn up especially after an easterly or north easterly wind and I also love the vivid spectrum of brilliant hues that adorn the landscape and that give me much inspiration for my paintings and sketches! As well as watercolours I have been indulging in some coloured pencil drawings of some of the seasonal fruits that are abundant this year. I hope you enjoy looking at them?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-21314911210048097902013-07-04T03:22:00.001-07:002017-02-24T13:44:35.196-08:00IN SEARCH OF TURTLE DOVES.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">IN SEARCH OF TURTLE DOVES.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These gorgeous birds are becoming increasingly scarce and I have found only very few this year. They still nest in one or two places in Hertfordshire and at Fowlmere in Cambridgeshire where I sometimes visit. I have seen them on the Norfolk coast and I was inspired to do some sketching with a view to presenting a finished watercolour to the RSPB in order to raise money for their appeal (operation Turtle Dove). I hope to do this soon with the co-operation of the staff at Rye Meads?(more on this later). I can not imagine the british countryside without the soft purring of Turtle Doves and if we were to lose this bird it would be a tragedy. I visited Pensthorpe in Norfolk recently where there is a captive breeding program and was immediately transported back to my childhood and the seemingly endless summer days during school holidays. Its like the old saying 'you don't know what you've got till its gone?' Lets make sure this never happens?</span></div>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-59508269311316195462013-01-30T06:40:00.000-08:002017-02-24T13:45:44.755-08:00Winter Wildfowl.The season of frosts and snow sends us many visitors from the north to swell the ranks of numerous species of wildfowl that already call our islands home. I like to get out whenever I can to experience the drama and atmosphere that large flocks of birds create. The colourful plumage of many of these birds make wonderful subjects to paint and I have indulged myself with some of my favourite species in recent weeks. I love to see the birds in huge numbers out on the water or roosting on the shoreline but I prefer to paint them in small groups. I think this gives a more intimate portrait and allows more detail on small scale drawings, the birds themselves being allowed to fill up most of the composition. I hope you agree?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shovelers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting Wigeon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldeneye.</td></tr>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-73903110896566950822012-10-26T03:12:00.002-07:002017-02-24T13:47:08.633-08:00Mellow moments.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a visit to the Norfolk coast at the end of September I collected a few ideas and sketches of some of the birds I saw and came up with these watercolour impressions. It was an interesting weekend for a number of reasons not the least of which was the open day at Holme bird observatory where we watched a ringing demonstration and the emptying of a moth trap! Cley was the highlight for me and to see seven spoonbills flying around in procession over the reserve was quite magical! Wader spectacular at Snettisham and dancing Cranes at Welney are just some of the scenes that make Norfolk so brilliant for birding! Can't wait for my next visit!</span><br />
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-45587109660088029512012-09-11T11:54:00.000-07:002017-02-24T13:47:41.775-08:00Late Summer Musings.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have to admit that I have'nt had much time to produce any new sketches recently or at least any worthy of posting! I have a ton of ideas in my head after a recent trip to Norfolk and I am just waiting for an opportunity to get started? This past weekend I was at RSPB Rye Meads reserve helping to celebrate it's 10th birthday along with the wonderful staff and volunteers that make this one of the finest reserves in the Lea valley. I was extremely privileged to meet David Lindo, the urban birder, and take in a walk with him and some of the staff to see some of the birds that had stopped by! Common Snipe, Green Sandpiper and Little Egret and an elusive Garganey? (I missed that one). Suffice to say that David was a perfect gent and fascinating to talk to. I managed to find a photo that someone had taken in the Draper hide (Louise I think?) although you can only see the back of my head? The other photo is of myself and Lynn in front of my display taken by Christine von Hagen. Many thanks for that Christine!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOwcYWiwJeI/UE-DNOjHatI/AAAAAAAAAME/2aB4W5L6dTY/s1600/0564.urbanbirder2%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOwcYWiwJeI/UE-DNOjHatI/AAAAAAAAAME/2aB4W5L6dTY/s400/0564.urbanbirder2%5B1%5D.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself (standing) and David Lindo at Rye Meads.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lynn and I at my art display. Rye Meads birthday bash 2012.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are a few watercolours painted earlier this year from our previous visit to Norfolk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And something from Dorset! A memorable holiday for all the wrong reasons? I picked up a virus and was quite ill for some time and even now have not fully recovered! The only compensation was finding four pairs of Dartford warblers on the heath in one fever filled afternoon near Wareham! By the end of the week I thought I was going to die?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dartford Warbler. Wareham, Dorset.</td></tr>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-37484774753329328152012-06-13T04:03:00.000-07:002017-02-24T13:49:48.132-08:00MAMMALS.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First of all I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff at RSPB RYE MEADS for helping with my art exhibition and to all the nice people who came along to view my work even though the weather was so awful most of the time! I even managed to sell some paintings and the response I got was very positive and encouraging. Here's to the next one? Whenever that might be? I have to say I found it a bit of a strain and felt quite unwell after picking up a virus a few weeks ago! The doc sent me to the hospital for some blood tests and I await the results? All in all, under the circumstances I think the exhibition was a success?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I even managed to do some sketching and although birding was out of the question, I concentrated on mammals and especialy on the reserve's local fox family. The star of the show is a vixen called 'ALICE' and she was seen most days coming to the visitor centre for sandwiches and peanuts! She has a litter of six cubs and they put on a fantastic display for all the photographers. She is especialy adept at catching rabbits and is a very good mother.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I have included here some other mammals that I saw in Hampshire at a wildlife sanctuary and although not strictly speaking 'wild', I could'nt resist sketching them! Other stuff is from the archive and I thought it worthy of showing? I hope you approve?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALICE.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALICE WITH RABBIT.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALICE.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FOX AND BLUEBELLS.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EUROPEAN OTTER.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SCOTTISH WILDCAT.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Exhibition and display at Rye Meads.</td></tr>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-80814126713084093132012-05-06T06:22:00.000-07:002017-02-24T13:50:25.484-08:00Art Exhibition<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My solo exhibition is titled 'WONDERFUL WETLANDS. An artist's perspective' and will take place at RYE MEADS RSPB reserve, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire. It runs from the weekend of SATURDAY JUNE 2ND untill SUNDAY JUNE 10TH. I hope as many people as possible will come along to view my work and visit this fantastic little reserve in the Lea valley? Rye Meads is deserving of it's status as a premier breeding site for Kingfishers and I have included a number of paintings and sketches of these exquisite little birds in my exhibition. As a taster, here are some of my recent efforts inspired by encounters with wetland birds.</span><br />
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-63265083899521523962012-04-11T02:17:00.001-07:002017-02-24T13:51:16.066-08:00Signs of Spring Migration.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lynn and I have recently returned from a visit to Norfolk and we stayed in the delightful village of Heacham. This gave us a chance to go birding along the norfolk coast between Snettisham and Titchwell, two of our favourite reserves. Despite the occasional savage weather we did get out and about every day and we saw a good number and variety of birds. Migrants were a bit thin on the ground but behind the Heacham dunes I found up to eight Wheatears and a Ring Ousel on our last day. These birds showed well and were one of the highlights of our holiday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">A highlight of a visit to Titchwell was a group of Long-tailed ducks feeding offshore. The weather was kind enough to allow us to linger a while on the beach at low tide and get close views of many gulls and waders and on the way back to the visitors centre we had a bird of prey 'fest' with Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and a Merlin all in the sky at the same time. Visits to Ttitchwell coincided with extremes of weather ranging from a benign morning watching a water vole and listening to blackcaps to sitting out a violent storm in the island hide as the wind tried to blow us away!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spent a day at Holme dunes walking the coastal path and it was a treat to see a pair of Stonechats flitting and scratching among the coarse scrub! Skiens of geese barked overhead and Avocets were as clumsy and quarrelsome as ever in the fresh water pools.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All in all we had a great time and on the way home visited Welney WWT reserve and topped up our birding list to over 100 species for the week. The star visitor having been a Sacred Ibis!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">On my local patch I have noticed increasing numbers of Chiffchaff and have included here in my blog some sketches I made a couple of weeks ago. I hope you like? A further reminder of my forthcoming exhibition! 'WONDERFUL WETLANDS, An artist's perspective', It will be at RSPB RYE MEADS reserve in the visitor centre and will run from Sat 2nd to Sun 10th June to coincide with a series of events marking 'SPRINGWATCH'. Everyone is welcome to cast a critical eye over my work and also to take a stroll around this fantastic little wetland reserve. Entrance is free so please do come! Further information can be obtained by contacting Louise Moss on 01992 708383. I will post some samples of my work done specially for the exhibition in a future blog.</span></div>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-33976468208687354632012-02-29T07:16:00.003-08:002017-02-24T13:52:28.207-08:00The Big Freeze.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well it finaly arrived and plunged the whole of the british isles into a mini ice age with record low temperatures! The ice and snow are only now loosening their grip in the the far north and in the hills and the mountains! Minus 16 degrees was recorded not far from where I live and we had a huge dollup of snow that was as deep as it was beautiful. Large flocks of winter thrushes descended on my patch and I was priviledged enough to see Fieldfares, Redwings and Mistle Thrushes in abundance. They provided excellent entertainment and superb sketching and photographic opportunities. I visited an ice-bound Rye Meads and got great views of a Bittern and several Common Snipe while the garden feeders were well and truly ravaged by flocks of finches. I just love the juxtaposition of shapes and forms that some birds make when feeding and so I have indulged myself unashamedly in my interpretation of a group of Redwings among crabapple trees. I hope you approve?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Bittern showed itself well in the exceptional circumstances and was forced to seek out more open, ice free water. Not that those lucky enough to see it were complaining?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, where there are flocks forced together they always attract the attention of predators and I witnessed a spectacular kill by a female Sparrowhawk right outside my living room window! She came in like a lightning bolt and took out a Collared dove that was sitting on the fence! Then disappeared! The kill was instantaneous and the victim stood no chance! A blood-stained heap of feathers lay on the ground, twitching it's last life's gasp! The death of one provided a meal for another! Such are the nature of things in the wild and I stood in awe as the beautiful huntress glided into view to claim her prize. The pitiful calls of a collared dove's mate were heart renching and went on for some time! I suppose I watched for about half an hour as the breast was plucked and consumed and then the Sparrowhawk took off, carrying her prize with her. Without sentiment and silent!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to leave you with a sketch of some Curlews that I am including in my display this coming June at Rye Meads from my exhibition titled 'Wonderful Wetlands'. The exhibition runs from 2nd to the 10th June 2012. Full details will be published in a future blog! Cheers for now!</span><br />
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-7143427932001539062012-02-03T06:40:00.001-08:002017-02-24T13:53:25.154-08:00Winter Wanderings.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I write this, the snow is once again upon us! The temperatures across northern europe have plummeted to more than minus 30 degrees? At the moment where I live it is a balmy minus 8! Recently I was able to get some sketching in before the cold had strengthened it's grip and was rewarded with the sight of carpets of winter aconites stretching along the edge of an ancient ditch that borders our local golf course. A song thrush was busying itself amongst the leaf litter and melting frost and it emerged from time to time with a snail or two. Nuthatches were noisily chasing each other through the naked branches and woodpeckers rattled and drummed from high in the canopy. Once again I find myself in a paradox of winter sounds with yet just a hint of spring in the air? Have the birds changed their tune a little too early or are the long cold fingers of siberia stretching out towards us once more? Don't discard your thermals just yet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are Larch and yew trees on my walk some of which are of great antiquity and I often see Goldcrests scrambling among the needles in search of insects. How these tiny birds manage to survive our winters is a miracle but even after the most severe weather they always seem to bounce back? If you stand perfectly still they will pay no attention to you and carry on regardless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have some exciting news to announce? The RSPB have invited me to exhibit some of my paintings and sketches at their RYE MEADS reserve to coincide with the Springwatch events taking place around the country. It will be held on the weekend of June 2nd/3rd and I hope to have my work on show through to the following weekend? I will give more details in a future blog and I hope to have lots of new sketches done by then? I am also extremely pleased to tell you that Lynn has responded well to her cancer treatment and is at last gaining confidence enough to ditch the headgear and show off her gorgeous new hairstyle! I will sign off this current episode of my blog with a coulple of winter birds. A Kingfisher from the river Lea and a Goldeneye seen at Amwell nature reserve. I dedicate these to winter birders everywhere.</span></div>
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-15651505891401538882011-12-09T04:57:00.001-08:002017-02-24T13:55:47.324-08:00Loose Ends.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The festive season draws close and brings to a conclusion what has been the most dramatic and traumatic year of my life! Lynn has finished her treatment and has finally gone back to work on a part time basis for the time being? My daughter is beating her depression and seems much better and I have started to turn my attention once more to Art and Music and earning a living? There have been some interesting birds arriving on my patch recently and I managed to get out to see some of them. Hen Harriers, Short-Eared Owls and a Great-Grey Shrike being among the highlights. As the weather turns I am anticipating more winter migrants turning up and I'm hoping that Lynn will be well enough for us to get out and about in order to see them?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Great-Grey Shrike appeared out of the mist like a little ghost and alighted in a hawthorn at the top of a ridge. Shapes that were grey and colourless started to take form and substance and I could make out the line of a hedge stretching into the distance and the vague outline of fields behind. A red kite drifted into view and stooped to pick something up giving a sudden flash of red forked tail. Other birds began to materialise as the light grew stronger and I concluded that they were finches and sparrows? In a flash the shrike dashed towards us and swooped over the hedge like a small hawk, making the finches scatter in all directions! It was quite dramatic and we were treated to a lively performance for the next 20 minutes. As the mist rolled up the hill again it was as if a curtain had been drawn across the scene and we were obliged to take our leave? A magical moment!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A Hen Harrier was one of three that had been reported and together with a pair of Short-Eared Owls became the focus of attention for lots of local birders. We were on the 'Icknield Way', an ancient drover's path that crosses the chilterns and who's dust has coated many feet over the years from medieval pilgrims, anglo-saxon warriors and even the legions of rome! We followed it from Therfield Heath towards the market town of Royston and then up towards Grey's farm where at last we caught sight of our first Hen-Harrier! A 'Ringtail'. She swooped and stooped as she quartered the rough pasture and several times dropped to the ground, no doubt seizing a vole or small bird? There are lots of finches and larks here at the moment due to the farm being managed sympathetically for wildlife. A little while later we had even better views from the road leading into Therfield village! My paintings are of a pleasant memory of the occasion and even more so to see the smile return to Lynn's face after such a long time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am going to include a few more paintings and sketches from various encounters so as to tie up my 'loose ends' so to speak, in the hope that you will allow me to indulge myself in the sheer beauty of some of the many birds that visit my patch at this time of year? How can any artist resist the urge to paint them? or any photographer not want to capture their image? Poets may wax lyrical and great storytellers might bring them vividly to life in our imagination but lets all be thankfull that against all odds they are still here?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although this isn't a recent sketch I saw a large flock of these gorgeous little finches at the RSPB headquarters at the Lodge in bedfordshire last week! They are very noisy and active and flocks may include common, lesser and Arctic Redpolls? I have always had trouble telling them apart? These are common redpolls feeding on Alder seeds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful and wildlife-filled christmas and hope that even if you don't get everything you wished for? You at least get what you deserve?</span>Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-69568411407222178412011-10-17T09:15:00.000-07:002017-02-24T13:57:20.929-08:00Late Summer Dragonflies and Ripe Fruits.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BkNpLdb_LI/TpxL5sUA2hI/AAAAAAAAAFI/g10gh6mLv5M/s1600/stevekers176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" oda="true" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BkNpLdb_LI/TpxL5sUA2hI/AAAAAAAAAFI/g10gh6mLv5M/s400/stevekers176.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the past month I have been watching dragonflies on my local patch and was surprised to find a few species hunting and hawking quite far from any substantial water! They seemed to like to rest at times among leaves and fruits and this gave me the idea to sketch them as I found them and to indulge in some coloured pencil technique. I used graphite pencils to create tone and depth and then built up layers of colour on top using Faber -Castell Albrecht Durer watercolour pencils. They can be easily blended with or without water and give brilliant, vibrant results! Its as near to being a child with a box of crayons again as I can remember? Totaly absorbing! Whenever I see ripe fruits and berries I cannot resist them and have to draw or paint them immediately! This year has seen a bounty of Hawes, sloes, heps and berries as well as a larder full of acorns, nuts and seeds and the winter thrushes have arrived in force to gorge themselves! I found some succulent apples hanging so heavy on the tree that the branches were arching almost to the ground! I only hope I have done them justice in my drawing?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first frosts will signal the end for the dragonflies but not before bowing out in a blaze of glory! I hope you enjoy looking at my next two sketches as much as I did creating them?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lynn has started radiotherapy treatment and seems at long last to have made giant strides forward in her battle with breast cancer! The prognosis is good and we are optimistic and looking forward to a positive future and being rid of this awful disease. She can walk further now and has a sparkle in her eye! We try to go birding as often as we can and we relish every moment!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">My next sketch is of a Garden warbler that caught my attention one morning in my own garden as it foraged and flitted from leaf to branch almost un-noticed and silent! It stayed for a couple of days and then moved on giving a brief but joyfull interlude for which I was most gratefull!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am always fascinated by bird migration and somewhat envious of the power of flight and the freedom it affords the feathered multitudes that come and go every season. The great journeys that birds make and the vast distances they cover are a constant source of wonder and amazement to me! Warblers are so tiny and seem so fragile and yet they always return each year from Africa and fill our hearts with joy! I know they face many grave dangers en-route yet I cannot imagine life without them? They are a constant source of inspiration and challenging subjects to draw?</span>Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-15724472642714798102011-08-29T07:30:00.000-07:002017-02-24T13:58:13.028-08:00All the fun of the fair?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The British Birdwatching fair has come and gone for another year and afterwards I was left wondering if It had fulfilled my expectations or if the atmosphere was somewhat subdued this year? The entrance fee was 25% higher and everything seemed more expensive and the crowds seemed fewer than before? In a way I was glad, because this gave me the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the artists and to ask for a critique on some of my work! Cheeky I know but I thought 'what the heck?' 'why not?'. They were very gracious and brutally honest and although some opinions differed widely they were all very encouraging! I recieved sound advice and precious pearls of wisdom from some of the worlds top artists and I have taken it all on board, and for that, I am truly grateful! It confirms the belief that art is so subjective and we all see things so very differently! I came away feeling that I could achieve something with my art and that one has to be true to oneself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I showed the following painting to Michael Warren and he suggested that I rework the eye of the bird and darken behind the head and also pay more attention to the leaves, (which I have done!) His sage advice was to always pay attention to detail and sketch in the field and to practise from life as often as possible. I think that this has definitely improved the painting. What do you think? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The painting shows a Spotted flycatcher in the old apple tree at the Lodge, Sandy. These birds raised a succesfull brood and were a treat for visitors to the RSPB during the summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Strong opinions from Jane Leycester Paige on my butterflies and flowers and some eye watering comments that quite surprised me but not once was she condescending or patronising! I was so relieved that she recognized every flower and my butterflies (although a bit too flat?) passed the test! She really liked the next painting and coming from one of the top botanical artists, that really made my day! I do tend to get carried away when it comes to painting flowers and throw in everything including the kitchen sink! I just can't help myself! This watercolour is no figment of imagination but an image of what was on show at this rare site in Hertfordshire and where Chalkhill blues still breed in abundance! I hope it does justice?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My next painting is a study of a Ring Ouzel seen on migration this spring at Holme Dunes in North Norfolk. She was as bold as brass and we got terrific close up views as she danced among the tussocks. I would like to thank all the artists that were gracious enough to let me bend their ear at this years birdfair especially the society of wildlife artists and the artists for nature foundation, Jonathan Latimer for his encouraging comments and to Szabi(nice to meet you in the flesh at last). John Threlfall for giving up his chair to my wife! Ian Langford for the beautiful book and for signing it and to all the artists who signed it as well! It just goes to prove that art can make a difference and can enrich our lives? Now? Where did I put my pencil sharpener?</span><br />
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Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691715575531733918.post-67060069025420536202011-08-03T06:25:00.000-07:002017-02-24T13:58:40.591-08:00Midsummer Musings.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Its been a strange month in many ways what with family circumstances (If you knew the whole truth you would not believe such things could happen all at once? Daughter(depression), Mother(alzhiemers),Aunt(died!),not to mention Lynn's chemo treatment!!!). One of the few things that keeps me sane is the chance to grab a few hours birdwatching and to sit with Lynn and finish my sketches! And then there's the wierd weather that can't seem to make up it's mind what to do? Has autumn arrived early? Wait a minute! Its stinking hot today with a chance of thunderstorms! Who knows what next week will bring? An early autumn does have it's compensations though? It means that migrant birds are arriving from the arctic breeding grounds still resplendent in their breeding plumage! Recently I had Wood sandpiper,Green and common sandpiper,Black-tailed Godwit and some gorgeous Black-necked grebes visit my local patch in the Lee valley. From the continent I had the pleasure of a Hummingbird-Hawk moth in my garden as well as a juicy selection of butterflies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out my Black-Necked Grebe and Wood Sandpiper sketches following a recent visit to Rye Meads RSPB reserve on my local patch in Hertfordshire. Gorgeous!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">There have been lots of families of warblers moving around my local patch recently including Willow warblers, Whitethroats and small groups of Blackcaps. The best time to see these is very early in the morning when the mist is heavy in the trees and the air is cool and still. I even had a fox run straight past me so close I could have touched it! Silence is golden! As the day warms up I can hear Turtle Doves and the first lark! Sometimes I don't want to leave!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I re-visited some old sketches and memories from earlier this year and came up with this watercolour of Yellow Wagtails seen at Titchwell in Norfolk from the new Parrinder hide. I seem to remember there were seven of these beauties on the brackish marsh. I hope you like this?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a bit of luck I'm taking Lynn to the Birdfair at Rutland in August? I'm going to pick the brains of some of the artists there for any advice or tips and to drool over their work! I will try post my next ramblings at the end of the month? Best wishes to everyone.</span></div>
Steve Kershawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786289579579603952noreply@blogger.com1