Toucan Framed in Lucky Bamboo

Colors of the Tropics



Lucky Toucan 
5" x 8" Watercolor by Colleen K Carrigan (c) 2012



Here is a fun miniature watercolor 5" x 8" of a toucan that is framed in lucky bamboo.

I enjoy using bright rich colors; the really stand out against the dark areas of this beautiful bird.

This summer I am spending time with my family.  We have been traveling and relaxing.  Fall is on the wing and then it will be time for 'throwing lots of paint' in precise areas on miniature canvases.  :)

ACEO Dolphin and Tropical Fish Prismacolor Fantasy Bubbles

Dolphin Doodles and Sea Scribbles

What a fun time I am having creating colorful dolphin and tropical fish art cards using a set of 72 lovely Prismacolor pencils my daughter gave me for my birthday.  These fantasy cards are flowing and bubbling with rich hues and on SALE in my eBay gallery. 

I worked in the marine aquarium field for 12 years as a biologist and enjoyed all the aspects of caring for tropical reef fish and sharks.  Creating my Dolphin Doodles and Sea Scribbles series, brings back a flood of wonderful memories.  I even purchased J.D. Sachs Marine Aquarium Version: 2.6.2 app for my iPod and enjoy listening to the gentle bubbles and viewing the beautiful fish swimming about, as I'm coloring mine.  

During my early school years I recall having a teacher gently scold me for 'doodling' on my math papers.  It was so much more entertaining than subtraction!  So here I am today - still Doodling. :)

Dolphin 'Ripples of Color' SOLD

Copper Banded Butterfly Fish Sold

Clown trigger fish 

Regal Angelfish Sold

ACEO Barn Owl Dawn Watercolor Painting

"Dawn Gaze" 

Continuing my series of owl paintings; this week I added the lovely morning light to a barn owl art card.  These birds are truly fun to capture in watercolor.

Dawn Gaze 2.5"x3.5" watercolor and ink

SOLD

ACEO Barn Owl "Evening Watch"

"Evening Watch"

Barn Owls make wonderful subjects to photograph, sketch and paint. What beautiful birds these ghostly faced owls are.  I have thoroughly enjoyed painting several and have many more ideas in mind. Here is my newest owl painting:

"Evening Watch" by Colleen K Carrigan (c) 2011

SOLD

ACEO Barn Owl Original Watercolor Painting

Miniature Painting of a Barn Owl

This summer I have enjoyed painting owls and this is my most recent bird ACEO (Art Card Edition and Original).  Barn owls make beautiful subjects. The white face and ochre, burnt sienna and bluish black speckles of the head and wings, make these very recognizable birds of prey.  Watercolor and archival ink were used to create this art card.

Barn Owl "Keeping Watch" (c) 2011

2.5" x 3.5"
SOLD

 

Tiger Shark ACEO Miniature Watercolor Painting

Tiger Shark "Portrait of a Predator"

Well, it's been a busy spring/summer here on Puget Sound.  My daughter, Kathryn, is heading off to college to study biology in a few weeks. With a love of nature and passion for animals and art, she will do very well in her future careers.


Sharks, of course, are a focus subject of mine.  My passion for these creatures began in the summer of 1975 after I saw the movie, Jaws and was consumed with a hunger to know more about these ocean predators.  I spent 12 years working as a biologist in the aquarium field and now enjoy painting these beautiful cartilaginous fish. 


Here is a tiger shark cruising the shallows with its shadow gliding below over the sea floor.  Thank you, my dearest friend, Jim McKay ~ for helping me name this painting.  Here is a wonderful quote by shark photographer/filmer:

‘Oh Oh, here comes trouble - with attitude’. The Tiger doesn’t think like the Great White or the Mako does, but rather acts totally by instinct and reflex – not a good combination for the object of their attention. In fact, this is one species that I would never take my eyes off for one second. They are cunning, sneaky and very cautious. Also, they will consume just about anything that will fit in their mouths. The tiger shark is a good species to keep at a distance.   (c) Jim McKay



Tiger Shark Painting for SALE

Wildlife Nature Art Signs on Puget Sound

Signs of Nature

This has been a fun project.  I just finished four more signs for my dear friends that live in a beautiful location on Puget Sound.  Over the past 6 years, I have completed a number of these nature signs for their property including an ecosystem for each of their grandchildren. What a great idea for the 'grandparents who have everything'! 

Each sign is cedar which I sand, brush with gesso, then paint the lettering, flora & fauna and lastly varnish.  My friends use eye hooks and chain to connect the signs outside under the porch near their door for everyone to view.  They have lasted 6 years (the first ones) and still look crisp and colorful.

Fun Project!  These signs include: cormorants, black bear, raccoon and an orca.  All of these animals can be viewed around Puget Sound.  We have had a black bear in our compost.  Last year one just walked down the dirt road in front of our house.  Biggest 'dog' I've ever seen!