Terns on the Neris

 

 
During the time of around early spring of 2011, I painted a small “portrait” of the Neris River and the Terns that are frequent residents. I still have a plan to paint a portrait of the river during the seasons of summer, autumn and winter.
  I always enjoy the views along the Neris River. With every step along her shores, there something different to see. And the subject matter for sketching seems endless. A couple of days ago I spent some time along the Neris and noticed there is still an abundance of small wildflowers around that are still in bloom. So as my wife read a book and our daughter napped under the shade of a tree on the river bank. I took the time to sketch a few of wild flowers and some of the intimate views around.

These are some loosely painted watercolor sketches of some of the wild flowers found along the Neris River.

  Usually when I’m out on a hike looking for interesting subjects to sketch, I will rarely stay on the trail. It has always proven to me that off trail is where I find the most beautiful and inspiring things to sketch. A couple of days ago while out on another hike in the forest, off the trail of course, I came to this amazing old tree on a hillside that has a beautiful root system partially exposed and covered with lush moss. I couldn’t resist sketching this. I knew right away that it will definitely be a prominent subject for a future wildlife painting. With the tree on the hillside and its roots following the grade of the forest floor, it will make a nice composition.




Watercolor and ink on paper