"Why Birds?"

While I enjoy painting animals of all kinds, a large majority of the subjects in my pieces are birds, I am frequently asked, "why birds?" Well, why not birds? What's not to love, the variety is fantastic! All different shapes, sizes and colors, they fly, hover, swim and run. They are vital to our ecosystem doing everything from pollinating, propagating plants, pest control, to cleaning up carrion... and "gulp" a large portion of our own food. They are present in symbol throughout history from representing gods to representing Nations. Each has it's own character and function and depending on the bird it sets the mood of a painting.

I am continually drawn back to our fine feathered friends... they are an unending source of inspiration.

"Out of this World" —Tufted Coquette © 2008 Beatrice Bork

"How do you get your ideas?"

A question I get frequently. Inspiration comes to me serendipitously, I'll see something and in an instant, I know that's the next painting... or I'll store what I've seen in the little gray cells until one day it pops back to the foreground of my mind, and I know now is the time. I may even see a scenario over and over again before that moment happens, I can't explain why it's suddenly the right time?!

If I get an idea, but don't grab onto it right away, it just goes away, and sometimes I get an idea and mull it over until the light bulb goes on and I know I need to go for it. So I observe as much as possible, do the sketches, take the photos, and stay tuned for that "light bulb" moment.

Sometimes the whole painting is complete in my mind, sometimes not, but when that moment happens I know I'm good to go, I say a little thank you, and begin to create.

"Beach Bums" Black-footed Penguins, watercolor © Beatrice Bork 2009

Workshop, Aug. 1

I had a wonderful time conducting a 3 hour workshop at the Hunterdon Art Museum (HAM) in Clinton this passed Saturday. It is a charming place! The class was limited to 8 students. I gave an introductory talk, the class painted, and we then went inside to do a little critique—after more than 2 and a half hours outside it was nice to get out of the sun. The students had a great foundation (as most have already taken classes at HAM). I am now looking forward to teaching a full semester in the fall, where we can really get into more detailed process of painting wildlife.

Bird geek

Birding is a pastime I really enjoy, it not only inspires my painting, but also can be exciting. Nothing perks up an outing more than identifying a bird that I haven't seen in a long time, or a new behavior, or better yet something totally brand new. I think the appeal is sort of in the same realm as collectables, only I end up with some photos, observations/memories and some sketches if I get a long enough look.

All you need to start with is a bird book, and keen vision and/or binoculars. Be warned, it can be addictive, and accessories are abundant... Hiking boots, hats, cargo pants and/or vests and backpacks—to hold more books, birding lists, pencils, sun tan lotion, bug lotion, better and more expensive binoculars (with harness as to not strain your neck), cameras with monster zoom lenses, scopes, tripods, tape recorders, flash lights, and night vision accessories, and more! Result: an outfit that gives a fashion designer the heebee-jeebees, and a chiropractors dream patient.

Personally, I stay as lightweight as possible, I'm more into the observation than actually keeping a life list. I carry mini-bins, a point and shoot (with a great zoom), a sketch book, pencil and portable watercolor set, which all fits into a small backpack and, if I remember, bird book--as small as possible.

flashback, 2001

I thought it might be interesting to look back at some noteworthy happenings, that occurred prior to my blog (especially when I'm not sure what topic to take on next). I thought I would start with the Society of Animal Artists, of which I became a member of in 2001. I am currently a signature member and very pleased to be in the company of such wonderful artists. The group was founded in 1960, and serves in promoting excellence in animal art, and has members from around the world. The membership has given me some great opportunities to display work in wonderful venues and museums throughout the country.

The Artists' Gallery group (of which I am a member) participated in the "Bucks County Designer House & Garden" event, the closing day was also May 31st. The group created a gallery atmosphere at the Café as well as lending our works to the interior designers that decorated the estate. Cailen Ascher Design used a few of our works in her design room in the "Victorian House" including my giclée print "Parallels". All in all it was a quite an experience to see the transformation of the estate and all for a great cause, benefiting Doylestown Hospital and Village Improvement Association of Doylestown Community Projects.

"Parallels" © Beatrice Bork (left), Interior room (right) photo courtesy Cailen Ascher Design

"Connections" ends...

We had a great show at Artists' Gallery, and capped it off with a little "coffee and conversation". It's the first time I had done this at the close of a show, and enjoyed it very much. Usually when a show ends you just take home the paintings that are left and move on, but this gave us one more opportunity to talk to some folks who didn't make it out to the opening, and talk to those picking up pieces they bought during the show.

Because I have representation at this gallery, I am able to continuously show work, so I moved four of the pieces into the rotation of artwork in the second and third rooms. I am working on new pieces that I hope to have ready for the next rotation in July.