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Sunday 26 August 2012

Birds of Prey Day

Today's painting is of a Harris Hawk which I painted back in January.

Harris Hawk 

I love seeing birds of prey hovering overhead while I'm out walking or spotting one sitting in a tree or on a fence post, though they've usually flown away by the time the camera comes out!   There's nothing better than seeing them in the wild but you tend not to be able to get that close - something to do with not having wings! so we have to admire them from afar.  So when the opportunity arises to see these beautiful birds up close, well you can imagine, I jumped at the chance.  I live fairly near the Duke of Westminster's Estate at Eaton Hall and there are a few Garden Open days hosted there each year.  I went to one last month and another today, the main attraction for me being the Falconry displays held by Terry Large.  Terry is so accommodating and both the times we've watched his shows he has invited photographers to come inside the display area where the birds are perched so that they can get excellent close up shots.  You can imagine how delighted Gary was being a wildlife photographer!  Last time he even placed his beautiful barn owls into a nearby oak tree to get that perfect 'natural' shot.



This is on my easel ready to paint, but not sure yet whether I'm going loose or more detailed, I'll just see what the brush decides once I make a start!

It was a real treat to get to hold a Harris Hawk after having painted one back in January. Gorgeous birds.



and one of my favourites, the Eurasian Eagle Owl, stunning birds!!


Regular readers of this blog may remember the painting I did last month of an Eagle Owl with very starey eyes! LINK HERE.

I'm hoping to get the barn owl painting done in the next few days, although I've got loads of mundane stuff to do as well like, shopping for school uniforms, ironing, housework, cleaning windows etc etc. but hopefully I'll  find time!  It's such a nuisance when things like that get in the way don't you think, but it has to be done I suppose!

Before I finish this post, I'd like to say a big thank you to all of you who commented on my last post - I found all the lovely, supportive comments and congratulations so heart warming and kind, thank you so much, I really do appreciate it, and that goes for anyone and everyone who takes time to comment on my ramblings!




22 comments:

  1. I love hawks! Hawks and eagles are my most favorite birds.
    Beautiful painting Sharon, the eye is magnificent! The photos are absolutely gorgeous -the artist including of course.
    Enough said, back to kitchen... dishes must be washed ;)
    Warm regards.

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    1. if it's like my house there are always dishes to be washed! Thank you for your lovely comments, I love hawks too, magnificent birds and I plan to paint more of them. Gary's photos are great aren't they, I'm very lucky to have a brilliant photographer whose photos I can use!

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  2. Wow - for the painting and the photos. Wonderful that you were given the chance to photograph up close and in a natural setting.

    Lovely and interesting blog.

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    1. Yes he was very accommodating - he's invited us to visit the place where he flies the birds so really looking forward to that!

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  3. Stunning birds. Love your painting and the photos xx

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  4. Beautifully drawn and painted image. Lovely work.

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  5. Wonderful job of the Harris hawk, Sharon. His eye is most commanding. Love the photo of you and the hawk!

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    1. Hee hee I love that photo - he's really eyeing me up isn't he - and I was so thrilled to get to hold one - have never done that before!

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  6. I'm going to have to be making another 'birdie' pic purchase at this rate Sharon....The Barn Owl is surely not going to be easy to paint but can't wait to see the result.

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    1. Lol I know I keep avoiding starting it - but the outline is drawn out ready to paint so it will get done eventually!!

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  7. Great painting and what a fantastic treat to get so close to these magnificent creatures.

    Had my Mother visiting last weekend and we took her home via a 'scenic' route and were lucky enough to see a couple of Marsh Harriers (not close enough to get good photos though).

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    1. What a great sighting, I've seen a marsh harrier from a hide but not whilst out and about!

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  8. Thanks for the blog comment Sharon. The sketches are in my notebooks. I should do more really... if you look on my blog and click the label - sketches you can see a few more...Cheers Stewart

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  9. A gorgeous painting, Sharon!..a wonderful close up of this beautiful bird! ...you have an amazing camera that takes these great photos.

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    1. It's Gary's camera and him that takes the photo - I just pinch them to use here lol!!! There's a link to his wildlife page in the tabs at the top of the blog

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  10. Oh my goodness that is so brave. You know me Sharon I love animals and birds to bits but only from a safe distance. lol Enjoy painting that owl too. The image is gorgeous and so inspiring. Fabulous eagle too btw.

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    1. Thank you Laura, I think only the really tame birds are used for these shows so I'm sure I was quite safe lol!

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  11. I am part of the art Blog Hop. Nice to meet you, would appreciate a follow back! :)

    http://paintundermynails.blogspot.com

    Amanda

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    1. Thanks for dropping in Amanda - I have hopped over to take a look - loads of variety there, I've become a follower!

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I love hearing from you, thank you so much for leaving a comment - I will always try to leave a reply and pop over to visit your blog if you have one - although sometimes I may be slower than others, have a wonderful day xx