"Seeker"

"Seeker" Watercolor/Gouache Painting © Beatrice Bork

TRINIDAD— I have traveled to Trinidad and Tobago islands frequently and have a mountain of inspiration accumulated that may last forever. "Seeker" is a Purple Honeycreeper (Male) on his way deeper into the lush neotropical rainforest, and is currently on display at Artists' Gallery through the end of the month.

Artists for Conservation

"Waylay in the Mango Tree" © Beatrice Bork

I was excited to find out yesterday, that my watercolor painting "Waylay in the Mango Tree" was selected by jury for the Artists for Conservation 2013 exhibit in Vancouver Canada. The AFC's festival will be September 28 – October 6, 2013 at Grouse Mountain Resort. Art selected will have a portion of its sale go to a conservation group of the artists choice. I'm hoping the show has many sales, as there are many great groups that will benefit! My group of choice is the Asa Wright Nature Centre in Trinidad (West Indies). This is a place that has grown very dear to me since I first visited in 2005, through being a recipient of the Don Eckelberry Award. I have been several times since. The subject here is a bananaquit, which is fairly common on the islands, but still fascinating to watch.

What we're 2 months into 2012 already?!

I'm a little behind on blogging, because I’ve been in Trinidad, and plainly just finally starting to catch-up. So, Happy Belated New Year everyone!

I began the year in Trinidad, really nice, beautiful, lush foliage, birds and wildlife, friendly people and nothing compares to the balmy warmth of a tropical island. I spent most of my time in Arima, with excursions to places a little more “wild”. I spent time in town and visiting the market—it’s a hussling bussling place with friendly people selling some really wonderful produce and other market items. I even took in a Carnival kick-off concert. (I have yet to be there for Carnival, I hear it’s spectacular, seeing it once might be nice).

Arima Market

Carnival Kick-off, Arima

I also spent a little time in the valley parallel to the Arima, in Lopinot. The birding isn’t quite as easy as sitting on the veranda at Asa Wright, but the area is lush and green and every sighting becomes even more of an accomplishment.

Rainforest near Lopinot

 It’s actually quite easy to bird nearly anywhere in Trinidad, they have over 400 species. Right in town I saw and heard several species from the house: Palm Tanagers, Kiskadees, Bananaquits, Bare-eyed Thrush, Tropical Mockingbirds, Tropical Wrens, Yellow Orioles, Pygmy Owls, Oropendula, Blue Tanangers, Ruddy Doves, Peppershrikes and more.

Bare-eyed Thrush

 So, the beginning of this year was as great as the end of last year, I’m a little low on paintings, but not short on ideas! I worked on several sketches and have yet more research for future paintings, not to mention a few other creations I’ve been contemplating and sketching closer to home.

Photos and Content © Beatrice Bork