Ken has used watercolor as his main medium since 2006, when he took it up after many years absence. He began using birds as subject matter at the same time. He prefers not to work from photos since there's an incredible loss of connection with the subject matter. He was reminded of this recently while reading the wonderful book "Drawing Birds" by John Busby. Examples there frequently show the added vitality that is evident in work done from life. Nonetheless Ken has done litte art work from life recently. All of the works here are based on photos that he took. These paintings evolved over a week or two. Smaller and quicker watercolor sketches are available here. Numerous recent sketches from life are at his blog. These might eventually become the basis for non-photo-based paintings.
The Canada Warblers were seen in Shenandoah National Park in May, 2007. The Carolina Wren was seen in the snow beneath a number of birdfeeders at Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia. The Red-eyed Vireo was also seen in Shenandoah National Park in May, 2007. The robins appeared in his backyard in early 2007. That painting was his first attempt at a large-scale watercolor in 20+ years. He is tempted to do an updated version of it.
'Canada Warblers', 20x28, watercolor.
'Carolina Wren', 20x28, watercolor.
'Red-Eyed Vireo V. 4', 20x28, watercolor.
'Nine Robins V.4', 20x28, watercolor.
