Mary's Field Notes

Birdlife in Florida

2011-12-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

I was recently in southern Florida, and had my son,

Joel, drive me around to photograph the amazing

diversity of birdlife. This photo is of the Roseate

Spoonbill, perched in the mangroves. Inspiration for

a future painting!

"Otter's Tale"

2011-11-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

If you study the shorelines of the Columbia River, or its tributaries, you will occassionally spot a River Otter. Slinkier than their ocean-going cousins, they are very gregarious, chasing each other around--as if for fun. But, the play is also practice for hunting anything that moves in the water. Yes, I have even observed them trying to catch their own tails!

I have donated the original watercolor to The Dalles Art Center for their annual Auction fund raiser, Saturday November 5th; at 6pm. Please attend this fantastic "Art Round Up"event. See you there!

http://thedallesartcenter.org/

"Launch"

2011-11-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

I explore the Oregon coast whenever I get a chance. One of the funniest little birds we've encountered is the Tuffed Puffin. They look like little short clowns (sightly overweight). They flap like crazy just to stay airborne. And, the launch has to be executed from some high place. This watercolor original took third place this year in Sunriver show of the Watercolor Society of Oregon. I'm very proud that becomes part of their annual traveling exhibit for 2012.

"Fisherman's Morning"

2011-11-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

This original watercolor sold a couple of years ago in Sun River, Oregon. But, I thought my friends would enjoy seeing it. For most of you it will be for the first time, I'm guessing. As with many of my works, it is a close, intimate view of our rivers and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Fisherman, look closely and you may spot a trout!

"Afternoon on Eagle Creek"

2011-11-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

My husband and I thoroughly enjoy exploring the tributaries and trails of the Columbia River. Eagle Creek has cut such a deep canyon through the Gorge that sunlight rarely reaches it until noon. We have discovered all kinds of wildlife here as well, from American Dipper birds to Harlequin Ducks; and then there is the Coho Salmon run in the Fall. Look closely at this watercolor and you may discover a Steelhead trout!

Pelicans on the Columbia!

2011-07-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

The white pelicans are back fishing the Columbia River. While visiting family in Minnesota this June, I saw the pelicans on a nearby lake. They sure get around!

"Pelican Dreams" was the result of being inspired by these gracful birds. Come see it at my booth at the Maryhill Art Festival , Aug. 6th and 7th. On your way, look for the white pelicans.

Visit my studio this weekend--Gorge Artists Open Studio Tour!

2011-05-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

We discovered a flock of White-Faced Ibis feeding in a secluded

marsh around Klamath Lake, a favorite birding area. This

painting, "Ibis at Sunset" can be seen at my open studio this coming

weekend, May 14th & 15th (10am-5pm). Hope to see you there!

"Vintage Evening of Fine Wine & Art"

2010-10-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

"Bluet Damselfly"

This painting may be seen at "Vintage Evening of Fine Wine & Art", the annual fund raiser for the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. The fun starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9th. Join us for a great mix of wine, food, art, and music. There will be an entertaining oral auction with dandy items to bid on. For ticket information, call 541-296-8600. See you there!

Oregon River Otters

2010-07-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

"Otter Water Play"

We saw this otter in it's playful antics mode. They may be seen throughout the Pacific Northwest, usually living in family pods. Their daily activities center around fishing, exploring, and having fun!

Watercolor Exhibit

2010-07-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

"Otter's Tale"

This watercolor is the result of my river otter field studies. "Otter's Tale" exhibits the playful nature of this animal. He had been chasing his tail in much the way a dog would. In the kingdom of animals, they are the gregarious clowns! Go see it and my other paintings at The Pines Tasting Room & Art Gallery, located 202 State St., in downtown Hood River, Oregon.

(p.s.--The Pines also has terrific live music on Thursday nights, 6-9 p.m.)

Osprey Fledgings

2010-06-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

Osprey parents with chicks

Last Sunday, I was in Maupin helping the Master Gardeners with the Wasco Co. Garden Tour. While there, we had a chance to observe a family of ospreys nesting by the Deshutes River. The adults were busy bringing trout to three ravenous youngsters. Dale was able to get some good photos for me...I hope to paint this osprey family later this year.

Steigerwald National Wildlife Preserve

2010-06-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Dale and I went hunting for painted turtles at the Steigerwald National Wildlife Preserve last month. We located several large ones, as well as a few more surprises. It is one of several nature spots within the group called the Ridgefield National Wildlife Preserves. Excellent trails and lots of beautiful wildlife.

Hunting Painted Turtles

2010-06-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

When I was young, there was nothing more exciting than exploring the creek behind my family farm in Minnesota. I discovered frogs, turtles, bullheads, and all kinds of other critters. Exploring nature has been a passion of mine; and it has driven my art. So, when I was recently invited to participate in a "Childhood Remembrances" theme show at the Columbia Art Gallery in Hood River (Oct. 2010), I knew immediately what kind of subject matter I would need. This watercolor is the result of the trip to the Steigerwald Wildlife Preserve.

The Pelicans are back!

2010-06-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

We were surprised today to discover a few Pelicans have already returned to the area. We spotted this one soaring just downstream of The Dalles bridge. We also took a quick drive up river to the John Day dam where we saw dozens of them resting on the shore.

Pelican Dreams

2010-06-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Here's the watercolor that I painted this past year. Called "Pelican Dreams", it resulted from our field studies from last summer at this time. The original work has been sold, but canvas or paper giclee' prints are available on my website.

Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge

2010-05-31T18:08:00.000-07:00

We explored the Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge this week. It is located just north of Washougal (WA.) on Hwy 14. The trail meanders through marshlands then eventually follows along the Columbia River. There's even a fish ladder on Gibbons Creek. We spotted several families of Osprey, Wood Ducks, Wrens, Pied-bill Grebes, and Blue Herons. Dale took this photo (with 400mm lens). We got some great exercise on a well maintained trail (about 6 miles round trip!)

Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour

2010-05-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

The flowers are in full bloom in the Columbia Gorge! Come enjoy them as you take in the Gorge Artists Open Studios tour on May 15-16, 10am-5pm both days. There are 34 artists represented throughout the Gorge. I am located in The Dalles (#27). Tour booklets ($25 admits two people for two days) may be purchased at Art Media & Frame Central (Portland), Columbia Art Gallery (Hood River), Klindt's Booksellers (The Dalles). Look forward to seeing you!

Spring flowers at Catherine Creek, 4/18/2010

2010-04-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

The flowers are popping at Catherine Creek! The photo above is the familiar Balsam Root of the Columbia Gorge. The surrounding hills are carpeted green and yellow as it emerges. The painting below is called Balsam Root and Lupine. The colors of yellow and purple sizzle together! I also discovered Bi-colored Cluster Lily, Common Camas, Pungent Yellow Desert Parsley, Rosy Plectritis, and Sand Clover. For people that are looking for an excellent wildflower field guide for the Columbia Gorge, I recommend having a copy of "Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge", by Russ Jolley. It is my favorite tool for flower identification.

BALSAM ROOT & LUPINE

To order "Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge" by Russ Jolley

May 2010--Bitter Root Flower; a little plant with a big history!

2010-04-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

May is a good month to discover the Bitter Root Flower. We have had the best luck finding this beauty on the Washington bluffs above the Columbia River Gorge. But, it can also be found all the way up into Montana. The flower is small, only about an inch and a half wide; but its roots are described in the journal of Lewis and Clark as a significant food source for native Americans. One of our favorite places to see it is at Catherine Creek Nature Preserve. Take the old highway above Rowland Lake (off Washington Highway 14). I painted the above watercolor a few years ago. Still, we enjoy spotting them when they first burst open, right out of the basalt rock base!

2010-01-29T09:59:00.000-08:00

October 2009--We were amazed to see American Dipper birds feasting on what appears to be a seasonal favorite, fresh salmon eggs! The Coho spawning run was underway, and the little birds fare seemed to have shifted from periwinkles to these bright pink morsels. We documented dozens upon dozens of these occurances.

Here's one watercolor that resulted from our studies of American Dipper birds..

2010-01-29T09:49:00.000-08:00

October 2009-- Coho spawning at Eagle Creek

Here's my new painting that resulted from our discoveries..

Coho Run

January 18, 2010

2010-01-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

This watercolor, entitled "Sunset Flight" resulted from several days of observing eagles last year at this time. I decided to start this blog to share my field notes. That research always helps me get inspired for my next painting!

January 8, 2010

2010-01-18T18:52:00.000-08:00

Dale and I saw dozens of Bald Eagles at The Dalles Dam, Murdock, and all along the Columbia River. Some were eating fish on the beach at the mouth of the Klickitat River. We decided to head inland up the river, where we saw at least twenty eagles perched in the trees watching the water for fish. The Eagles are back!

A special treat was spotting several groups of Common Goldeneye in the river as well.