My first attempt at drawing a portrait . . .

In class this week we are pairing off and drawing our partners. This is my first attempt. Her nose is too long and it throws off the proportions of the face. I was sitting with my pad in front of me when I really needed it to be on an easel. I was also using a med. charcoal pencil when I probably should've used a softer one. It was hard to blend out the charcoal lines on the shadows. This is not a complete picture but what I was able to capture in my 20 mins. of drawing time.

Trees are meant for climbing . . .

It's nice to know that kids still like to climb trees. And, this little guy is light enough that he can climb on those thing pine branches.

Bird box update

It's really hard to get the camera in the box to take a photo but it looks like there are at least 3 eggs in the bluebird nest. Not sure if there is the tiny sliver of the edge of a 4th egg in the top of the frame or not. I need to get out a step ladder to take a better look or get Bob to see if he can get a better shot with his little GoPro.

No eggs in the other nest yet, just more feathers.

Close up of Fred

Here are two more shots of Fred, close up and personal.

This one is of his right hand.

Fred's profile.

Fred, the skeleton

In drawing class this week, we had to draw from a skeleton.  I named him Fred.  Here is my quick sketch of him from where I was sitting.

This is Fred as he posed for the class.

Around the yard . . .

I'm amazed that these primroses that I transplanted last year.  They are just bursting with blooms.  
This is new growth on a burning bush I plant last year.The bleeding heart flowers are almost ready to bloom.

Our new alarm clock

This little guy likes to peck on our rain gutters, especially first thing in the morning.  He has become our new alarm clock.  I am hoping he gets his territory established so he will stop pecking on our house!

Downy woodpecker