Golden Swamp Warbler (Prothonotary Warbler)

Golden Swamp Warbler (Prothonotary Warbler), Digital Painting, 2019

I named this painting Golden Swamp Warbler as it is what this species was know as by Audubon. It is more properly called the Prothonotary Warbler, after Catholic clerics who wore yellow hoods. It is a digital painting done on my computer using a pen tablet and Photoshop. The painting was done in three layers, one for the background, one for the tree, and one for the bird. After taking a number of photos of the birds I went back to the same location ten days later to find an appropriate background for it.

Please contact me at timhoughartist@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing a print.

Golden Swamp Warbler (Prothonotary Warbler), digital painting, 14" x 14" on archival paper. Digital Prints available $125 plus shipping

Backus Woods

Backus Woods, May 17th 2019

On May 17th 2019 I revisited Backus Woods Nature Preserve, west of Port Dover, Ontario. 

A rare fragment of old growth Carolinian Forest (Eastern Deciduous Forest), it is the smallest and most endangered eco-system in Canada. 

I was intent on seeing and hopefully photographing the rare and elusive Prothonotary Warbler. This time, unlike last year, I was rewarded.

A lifer for me, the Prothonotary Warbler, is one of the rarest breeding birds in Ontario. They are restricted to the north shore of lake Erie. These birds are stunningly beautiful, with a yellow-orange head, yellow breast, olive-green back and bluish grey wings and tail.

Also seen and heard: Hooded Warbler, Great Crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, American Redstart, Cerulean Warbler, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, Broad Winged Hawk, Red Winged Blackbirds, Grackles, Wood Thrush, Catbird and Field Sparrow.

Tulip Tree

Scarlet Tanager

Grey Catbird

American Redstart

Yellow Bellied Sapucker

Red Winged Blackbird

This is a digital painting I have just completed of the Red Winged Blackbird.

I did this in Photoshop using my Cintiq tablet. I did all the elements in separate layers. A background layer, a layer for the bullrushes, as well as separate layers for the bird and the left foot, as well as the stem in the foreground. I used multiple photos for reference, as well as specimens borrowed from the Royal Ontario Museum. A single photo does not have enough information to create an image like this, so it's important to have as much reference as possible.

The Red Winged Blackbird is one of the most common birds in North America, and one of the earliest migrants in the spring. They prefer marshy areas and wetlands, but are just at home in vacant lots in urban spaces. They are also territorial and vicious birds that will not hesitate to harass you and
stab you in the scalp with their needle sharp beaks while letting out a terrifying shriek. I can remember being terrorized by a four ounce bird on my way to work every day.

Digital prints on archival paper are available (12" x 12").

Standing Cow

Standing Cow, oil on canvas, 18" x 24"

The following is an earlier version:

The green was I bit too strong earlier on. It's a bit jarring, so I toned it down.

New Painting

Cypress Lake, oil on  canvas 24"36"

This is a recent painting of Cypress Lake Provincial Park. In the background is the Niagara Escarpment and part of Georgian Bay. The rocks here are of limestone. Very different than in other parts of the bay.

Some New Works

Some new paintings that I have recently finished. These are of Franklin Island in Georgian Bay in Ontario. The Bay was a favourite haunt of the Group of Seven.

A Summer's Day, oil on canvas, 24" x 36"

Franklin Island 2, oil on canvas, 30" x 50"

Both paintings are currently at the Westmount Gallery in the west end of Toronto (Etobicoke)

Some New Paintings

 A Lone Sheep, oil on wood panel, 36" x 36"

Rough Fell Sheep, oil on wood panel, 36" x 36"

These paintings, both of which were finished  within the last year, are based on images from a trip to England a few years back. These sheep are called "Rough Fell Sheep" and are found in the upland areas of the North of England. Not to be confused with the "Scottish Black Face".