Snippets: Happy 4th of July from my art studio

SNIPPETS
news from the art studio 

Art making: Let's start with some research
Nature is at my doorstep. I have enough inspiration to keep me busy just stepping outside. But, I need to know more. I want to delve deeper into my subjects and learn how it all fits together. Jamestown, NY is home to several highly respected organizations with knowledgable and generous naturalists to fuel my quest for information about my subjects. From birds, reptiles, and amphibians to micro environments and conservation issues, I get to pick the brains of some of the best. Two of my favorite opportunities are on-going all summer.
 
Bird banding at  Audubon Community Nature Center happens on Saturday mornings. The close-up photos I take of the songbirds they survey have been great reference material for the cut paper work I'm doing. That is a Red-winged Blackbird I'm about to release in the first photo. Look for a cut paper piece of him, soon. 

Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History offers weekly guided tours along the Chadakoin River in Jamestown. The experts bring to light details I may have missed . These conversations spark ideas for artwork I am planning for our Riparian Zone show next spring. I got to tag along while they trapped and surveyed turtles last month. Some were like this cute little painted turtle— some bigger and snappier! I can't wait to get that drawing on the easel!

You can wear my art!
Now it is my turn to give back. I have designed a tee honoring Liberty, a bald eagle that resides at the Audubon Community Nature Center. 
 
If you would like to have a tee or hoodie made-to-order go to www.bonfire.com/for-the-love-of-liberty and you can select your style, color and size. It will ship directly to you. All profits go to Audubon Community Nature Center and their mission of connecting people to nature.
 
The offer only runs through Midnight July 21, so order soon!

The corvid connection
I strive to make art that will make a connection with you. When "Munin" the cut paper raven sold at The North Shore Arts Alliance annual member show, I loved seeing the delight on the buyer's face. Ravens, crows and other corvids have such a loyal following! More to come, I can't get enough of them, either.

For water lovers
Photographer and Blue Mind Ambassador, Karen Glosser put together BLUE MIND, the first international art exhibit of its kind. I  am honored to have my cut paper waterfall in this beautiful water-themed show. Blue Mind is at 3rd on 3rd Gallery at the Reg Lenna in Jamestown. A closing reception is slated for July 20 at 7PM—FREE and open to the public.
 
Keep in touch…
Follow my journey on Facebook and Instagram, I will post behind-the-scenes, works in progress and finished pieces there.
 
Cheers!
Wendy
 
P.S.Thanks so much for reading my Snippets. Please forward this to anyone you think might enjoy my artwork. (Or eagles and liberty lovers everywhere!)