Alphabet Birds

As a tribute to the amazing bird migration (and for Feather & Fir's namesake--birds are the best!) I've been drawing a North American bird for every letter of the alphabet. During the month of October I'm posting them on Instagram along with a quick fact about each highlighted bird, so be sure to check them out here on the daily.

Birds are so marvelous to me! It's fascinating how as a group they can seem so similar, but once they're examined a little more closely their distinct personalities and unique features shine. Each little species contains a wonder all its own!

Here is a recap of the first four illustrations, just in case you missed them:

Thanks for stopping by today! If you'd also like to see what our family is up to, you can follow our tomfoolery on my personal blog, here.

Moment of Wonder: Bighorn Sheep

One of my most memorable moments of wonder happened earlier this year while hiking with a friend. It had snowed the night before and the canyon was full of the kind of frosty fog that leaves feathery ices crystals on every surface. With each tiny blade and twig coated in delicate winter attire, our normally straightforward hike was transformed to an otherworldly version of itself. The snow padded any sound and we walked quietly taken by the incredible beauty surrounding us and avoiding any noise that might break the spell.

As we worked our way through the fog, we were met with new scenes every few steps. It had been a long time since I had felt that overwhelming joy of discovery as strongly as I did that day. I eagerly picked my way through the snow and fog, soaking in as many details as I could, and expecting something magical to happen.

The best thing about expecting something magical is that it usually happens.

The timing could not have been any more perfect. As we neared a corner in the trail, the fog cleared just enough to see dark shapes. As I was thinking how odd it was to run into other hikers on the trail, but then as we got closer I realized the massive shapes were much larger than people. In the middle of that thought, the fog suddenly cleared, and standing in front of us were two bighorn sheep with their majestic curling horns and powerful stances. We stopped short and I locked eyes with one of them, and in that moment there was no fear from either of us, but a mutual acknowledgement. The brief encounter seemed to last for eternity, and in that moment I felt I was privileged to share in the strength and wild wisdom of that creature.

Then just as quickly as they appeared, they turned and climbed up the cliff wall bordering the trail, without leaving any sign they had been there at all. It was so magical I still sometimes question if it really happened, especially when I walk past that same spot and marvel at the sheerness of the cliff they disappeared up so effortlessly.

From the foggy setting to the hoofsteps echoing through the cold, the moment could not have been any more magical. And while that magic cannot be replicated, I hoped to be able to convey the fearlessness and strength I gained in that moment with an illustration and watercolor piece, which will be up in the shop soon:

Here's hoping something magical brings you delight and the joy of discovery this week!

Aspen Branch Illustration and Watercolor

This is one of my favorite recent pieces:

I love the contrast of the clean controlled contour against the organic watercolor. It's been refreshing to let go a little more. This will soon be available in the store along with some other nature-inspired art!

Word Of The Year Update

Once or twice a month I reevaluate my WOTY, ensuring it is still enriching my life and encouraging me to go in a direction I know I need. This year has been a little different in that I didn't have any sub-goals planned with my word, "Do." However, it has been interesting to watch how it has still become a driving force behind many of the decisions we've been making as a family as well as my overall attitude.

I've noticed that I have been more aware of the way I spend my time, more selective about what I spend my time doing, and interestingly, more forgiving of myself when I haven't been able to get everything done that I was hoping to.

My priorities have settled in eye-opening ways, and after last year's WOTY encounter with "peace," it's been nice to rev up the engines and get going on things. Needless to say, it's been a healthy practice, and after my most recent evaluation, I'm happy with where this word has taken me thus far and I'm looking forward to discovering more about it throughout the rest of the year.

Right now my immediate focus on doing is taking the form of finishing touches for the Beehive Bazaar fall show, which starts next Thursday. Lots to do. The hustle is real and I'm hoping it pays off with a successful round of art vending.

Did you pick a Word Of The Year for 2015? It's still not too late if you haven't! If you have a word, I hope it's meeting your expectations! I love how the words I consciously pick become a part of me in unexpected yet needed ways. It's a deliberate way to bring improvement and enlightenment into my life.

Vertebrae Illustration: Before and After

I drew this tiny gold deer vertebrae on a white canvas and couldn't figure out why it kept bothering me when compared to it's black contour counterpart. Luckily, my sister came along and suggested it needed more weight. Usually I don't backtrack on my art once I've considered it a finished piece and I do all my tinkering near the beginning of a project, but I took another stab at the final piece and filled it in with black:

I liked the new version a lot better so I filled in the black one too for more contrast. Good suggestion, sis! That's what it needed indeed.