Flamingos. 2

Once I had the general idea in the sketch of what I was looking to accomplish, I then went further into detail. I pulled all my photos, and researched my subject matter—which in this case included skeletal images so I could better understand the beak/face and posture. I began by working on the individual birds, then started compiling them. Once I compiled them there were several more drawings done to get everything as I wanted them to me. The image seen here is the last of these drawings, and the one I will use as the basis for my painting.

 

Pencil drawing, Flamingos © Beatrice Bork, 2013

Flamingos. 1

My journey back to health for the last half year had put my painting on hold for a while, but I have continuously been sketching and reflecting, and ideas for future paintings are plentiful. While I still have treatments to complete, I am now feeling pretty good — like a horse in a starting-gate ready to burst back onto the track.

So, what is to be the creation that gets me back? I've settled on an image that I had sketched several times since all this began. Flamingos. Maybe the pinkish ribbon-like necks influenced me. I had seen them on one of my trips to Trinidad, they are of course striking birds and this seemed to be the right time and connection for me.

I want this piece to not only accurately depict the birds of course, but also have my own personal experience be reflected. They wade through the mangrove swamps and tidal flats in groups with there heads down going through the shallows and muck to sustain life. They are gregarious and looking at a group you see a tangle of necks and legs… and yet they' re in harmony getting through another day.

I'm now finalizing my pre-painting renditions and hope to begin the piece in the next week or so. Below are initial charcoal renderings, these are used to work out positioning and composition. The next phase of drawings work out more of the details and accuracy. Updates to come.

Initial charcoal rendering (stage 1) for flamingos © Beatrice Bork, Feb. 2013 

Initial charcoal rendering (stage 2) for flamingos © Beatrice Bork, Feb. 2013

"Lyrical"

"Lovie Dovie" © Beatrice Bork

February marks the start of a unique group exhibit at Artists' Gallery in Lambertville, NJ. All 18 of the house artists are participating in "Lyrical" a show that groups art with poem and song. Due to the snow storm predicted, the opening reception for "Lyrical" will be held on Sunday, Feb 10 from 3-6 pm. The show is on display through March 3.

I have chosen 2 pieces, "Lovie Dovie" which is paired with the poem "Hope" by Emily Dickinson, if you have read my last blog on Feathers, makes an obvious connection with my recent journey. I also chose my painting "Summer House at the Shore" to go along with the song "Surfin' Bird" by the Trashmen. It is just a fun old song, there's always room for some fun! ...  My inspiration for this piece comes from the Purple Martins seen at Cape May by the lighthouse, where there are a slew of "apartments" set up for these birds that "surf the air". 

"Summer House at the Shore" © Beatrice Bork