tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21035368533970957422011-07-28T11:56:45.352-07:00Daily art work or bike rides to inspire, motivate and learn from.Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.comBlogger781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-34787578965597565282010-06-06T05:52:00.001-07:002010-06-06T06:06:02.292-07:00

This is on a large canvas - 2' x 3'. The underpainting is in acrylics, the final layer will be in oils. I'm enjoying working with the design and the colors. I seem to be leaning towards less and less detail as you can see by the photo of the last workup. I'm thinking of putting a semblance of a western rail fence on the horizon - not sure yet. Having a lot of fun experimenting - thank goodness

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-63943413205064786092009-08-02T03:02:00.000-07:002009-08-02T03:36:29.905-07:00

Besides the wonderful long stretches of flat roads to ride on in Florida, there's something else I really enjoy about riding here - and that's all the wildlife I see every morning. I usually head out soon after dawn. Not only do I avoid the summer heat, but I am treated to an array of wildlife on the hunt for breakfast. Yesterday I was treated to what seemed like a short-movie of this Sharp

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-56122889766962054372009-07-31T06:45:00.000-07:002009-07-31T16:27:25.440-07:00

The 2500 mile drive from California to Florida is filled with visions of a thousand different paintings and drawings along the way. People ask how I do this drive every year but when your eyes see the spectacular beauty of this country around every corner and with each mile- it really is pretty easy. One day I decided to get off the Interstate for a few miles and find this place in Georgia

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-78175686584958730672009-07-29T03:19:00.001-07:002009-07-29T03:25:50.287-07:00

I always seem to make things more difficult than they are. For instance - this blog thing. All I wanted to do was share my daily art activities - and I was doing that for quite some time. Then, as always, "life" got in the way and for some reason I stopped posting. But, it was always in the back of my mind. Posting actually helps motivate me - not sure why though. So - I'm going to start with

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-74650549954075944112009-01-01T06:54:00.000-08:002009-01-01T07:45:45.436-08:00

Although this book is advertised as a "guide to self-promotion" -it is really so much more than that. I know we artists would love to just sit in the studio and create all day long (letting someone else take care of the business end) - but, there really is more to "being an artist" than that, and (as the author states) YOU are the best promoter of your art. If you are one of the few artists that

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-41876696837108830042008-12-30T04:24:00.000-08:002008-12-30T04:58:19.973-08:00

I'm sure that all artists can relate to losing their motivation and inspiration occasionally. I've been in my own slump for a while and a fellow artist, and good friend, John Ursillo ( bearcubstudio.com ) has been a constant source of encouragement to me. He was recently visiting from out of town and we decided to visit the Norton Simon museum in Pasadena. Vermeer's "A Lady Writing" is on loan

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-27037482256639311942008-12-26T10:00:00.000-08:002008-12-30T04:59:04.682-08:00

Did something different today. Decided to combine my daily bike ride with a trip to the grocery store. Hooked on my grocery bag size panniers and headed out around 7 a.m. knowing that the grocery store didn't open until 9. I thought I'd get a nice long ride in before going shopping. I should have saved my energy for the ride home though. I forgot that the groceries were going to add a

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-53650899574940243532008-12-10T04:16:00.000-08:002008-12-10T04:33:17.079-08:00

The local art association here (SCAA- Santa Clarita Artists' Association) has many venues in the city where members can display their artwork. This past weekend we put up a show in a historic adobe ranch house, the area is called Tesoro Del Valle. Location: 29350 Avenida Rancho Tesoro, Valencia. The show will be up until January 10th and then another show will be displayed. Museum is open

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-14323420552249470612008-11-26T05:15:00.000-08:002008-11-27T05:32:52.864-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! and boy do I have a lot to be thankful for!I think I got my dates mixed up because my last post, November 2nd, was the day my new bike tried to kill me. It happened so quickly I really can't even say what exactly happened. I was making a very slow u-turn and the bike just shot out to the right and left me in mid air. Then I was on the ground looking at the sky for a second or

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-64263861422824105582008-11-02T04:03:00.000-08:002008-11-27T05:30:26.765-08:00

I awoke yesterday morning to thunder and lightning! I was happy and sad all at the same time. Is it really going to rain? Will I NOT be able to go on my daily bike ride? On the other hand, I love the rain and all the clouds. Both are a rare sight in Santa Clarita, CA. This is considered the High Desert and most of the time all you see is glaringly blue sky. Pretty boring to an artist. Seeing a

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-57637820052787958442008-11-01T04:46:00.000-07:002008-11-27T05:33:19.336-08:00

I feel my "passion to create" knocking at the door again. I think it took a vacation for while, got side-tracked, even lost - but, found its way home again. I know that sounds kind of corny but it's how I've been feeling for quite some time. Creating art, being thisthing called "an artist" is defined differently by everyone that uses the title. For me, it has been difficult to cast aside the

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-25167118961540499442008-07-28T00:53:00.000-07:002008-11-27T05:34:00.636-08:00

WOW! has it really been since March that I last posted!! Where does the time go? I decided to revisit several pieces I started but never went back to for some reason. This one is a large oil, 16" x 20", of an egret I saw walking through the canals at Venice Beach. The canals were very dark that day, and it almost looked like there was an oil slick floating on top. You know how you see all those

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-89334510218482910352008-03-26T13:38:00.000-07:002008-11-27T05:34:40.034-08:00

I love Ravens, not sure why. I call them the "Bad Boys" - I remember they used to walk down the middle of the street where I lived in Ohio. 6 or 7 abreast, looking right and left - acting like they owned the place. Here in California they hangout at the WalMart dumpster (nice huh) and I was lucky enough to have my camera with me one day when I saw them. They were picking these berries off of a

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-20038936688109345892008-03-21T06:43:00.000-07:002008-11-27T05:35:28.151-08:00

Sometimes something as simple as the design on an animal moves me enough to want to try and capture that design. It's amazing how many works of art are portrayed within the coats, wings, feathers and faces of the wildlife on this planet. No wonder so many artists spend their entire lives trying to capture and portray all that beauty. Big sigh.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-56400827677527502072008-03-20T06:47:00.000-07:002008-11-27T05:36:59.486-08:00

I've been doing a lot of drawing lately. I started my art career some 20 years ago with graphite and always find myself still picking up a pencil. So, here I am again wanting to do more works in pencil. Experimenting with colored pencil too. One thing I've noticed is that if you include charcoal in your graphite piece that those areas in charcoal are more "in the background" than the graphite

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-13157778115090582682008-02-02T03:42:00.000-08:002008-11-27T05:37:39.895-08:00

Well, this started out as a good idea I think but really hasn't developed into anything I like. I think it's the surface. Even though it's called "Bristol Plate" - which is supposed to be a very smooth surface, there is still too much tooth there - and little white specks are showing up between the lead strokes. It's like I can't fill the paper's surface no matter how hard I press. I don't have

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-69519082579434803712008-01-20T13:36:00.000-08:002008-11-27T05:29:10.771-08:00

It's always amazed me how hidden lions really are when stalking prey from within the tall grasses of Africa. If it weren't for the brown tips on the ears you really wouldn't see them at all.This is a pencil drawing on polymin. A new surface I've been experimenting with. I love the way the pencil feels on this material, very smooth. There is no tooth at all, and you cannot layer - so you are

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-20238871624077397222008-01-03T14:07:00.000-08:002008-11-27T05:38:24.378-08:00

2" x 3" acrylic on polymin. Polymin is similar to drafting film. Very smooth, no tooth unless you sand it ever so lightly.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-50672002520208119962007-11-23T03:59:00.000-08:002008-11-27T05:59:27.113-08:00

Compared to the initial post last week you can see where I worked on pushing the rump back, losing the hard edges and defining the source of light.It's very easy to tell if an animal is hunting or just taking a stroll - it's all in their posture. They really do stroll sometimes, just walking around to see what they can see. True, most of the time they are hunting, but there are times when their

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-78273715687698320582007-11-13T13:49:00.000-08:002008-11-27T06:00:35.949-08:00

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-52720432726914367182007-08-19T01:02:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:02:11.653-08:00

It seems no matter what a raccoon is doing it looks like it's been caught in the act of doing something it shouldn't be doing. Must be the mask. :-)This is a miniature oil painting, 3" x 4.5". I've just lately begun painting and drawing miniatures and truly enjoy the process. I think "detail" has always been one of my favorite words. Miniatures have been around for centuries and I have learned

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-28726638216958103022007-08-12T04:09:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:02:52.918-08:00

Elephants have always been dear to me. I love watching the elephant nature videos and spotting a calf hiding, and being protected, among all the legs and trunks of the herd. It's amazing how so many wildlife species go to such great lengths to protect their young - just like humans do!This drawing was done on translucent vellum with charcoal, pencil and pastels.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-51114717020923234372007-08-09T08:34:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:04:19.797-08:00

An AMAZING clip on youtube.com prompted this drawing. A herd of Cape Buffalo, walking beside a river, are attacked by a pride of lions. They scatter and run but one of the calves is taken. As the lions are trying to drag the calf out of the river they are all attacked by 2 or 3 alligators! The lions manage to drag the calf to the river bank only to face the entire herd of Cape Buffalo that has

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-91676469677943866522007-08-08T11:02:00.001-07:002008-11-27T06:08:36.881-08:00

I think the only time elephants look happy is when they're rolling around in a mud hole. Just standing there - they seem to look very sad.....like this one.This is pencil and charcoal on translucent vellum. The background was done on the back side of the vellum. I like the tooth of this paper, and it's very good for pencil work. Layering of colors using pastels doesn't work.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-20691450593068078352007-08-02T07:31:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:11:54.890-08:00

Have you been watching the new season of "Meerkat Manor"? I got hooked last year and couldn't wait to see if Flower was going to find her pups! This show is kind of like "Suvivor" - but with Meerkats, and no talking. I like that a lot!This is pencil on drafting film. I love the way the pencil feels on this smooth as glass surface. You can't layer though, so really have to plan where your darks &

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-71949632710973508222007-07-24T13:58:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:13:09.314-08:00

Strathmore has a line of translucent vellums that are wonderful to work with. I did this penguin on one layer of paper and then toned another layer of paper for the background. The tooth of the paper is barely visible - perfect for short haired or small feathered wildlife: penguins, horses, otters, ferrets, beaver, mink, hummingbirds, etc.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-61486309556137515552007-05-29T07:35:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:13:54.968-08:00

I am often asked how I go about choosing the subjects I draw or paint. Most of the time I am concentrating on presenting the species as accurately as possible, the surroundings are not as important to me. Sometimes though, a particular scene really catches my eye, especially one with interesting angles and shadows like this one. I liked that the angle of the neck so closely matched the angles of

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-28337727285237069702007-05-08T07:01:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:14:37.517-08:00

Well, looking at this - it's obvious my right hand injury is not healed completely. But, I am drawing again so it's a start and I'm very happy about that.The Brown Pelican has beautiful courtship colors, that's what I was trying to capture here. I might try this again using pencils/charcoal - simply because I don't have to press down as hard to get the details I'm always trying to achieve.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-33291433801885033182007-05-05T08:41:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:15:18.816-08:00

I recently visited the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve near Los Angeles and was very excited to see all the wildlife gathered there. This is a wonderful reserve, very well maintained and worth a visit. I came away with many reference photos. There is one place where you walk over a stream - and underneath the walkway was this amazing display of old and new reeds. They were going in all different

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-62135808373790265842007-05-02T09:40:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:17:29.508-08:00

I've been recovering from a serious gardening injury to my right hand and just yesterday was able to apply pressure without too much pain. Lesson learned - when a sharp tool falls, let it fall! Don't try and catch it. I learned my lesson well and will never take my right hand for granted again - that's for sure. I couldn't wait to start this piece as it will be a Mother's Day gift to my precious

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-30751462456777815302007-04-04T09:38:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:18:04.507-08:00

Compared to the piece I did yesterday on the "furry" paper, I like this one much better. Drawing or painting images of Manatees is always such a nice experience - there is something about this species that always brings a smile to my face and a feeling of calm within.This is pencil on smooth bristol.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-14246199668373515882007-04-02T08:46:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:18:54.209-08:00

This is one of those things Manatees do best - just kinda hang around. They do it very well. Problem is that when a boat comes along they don't get out of the way fast enough.Okay, it's official - I hate this paper (Hahnemuhle Velour) and will never use it again. I keep trying to get different results and it always comes out the same - looking blurry and furry. I give up. (Hey! isn't that a sign

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-12101627346366700242007-03-14T08:32:00.000-07:002008-11-27T06:19:33.326-08:00

Nick (so named because of the knick in his left ear) used to come to our back door every morning for a peanut.....or twenty. He was very polite about it until one day, when we didn't respond to his morning chirps and scratches quickly enough, he proceeded to chew a huge hole in the kitchen window screen. So, we stopped giving out peanuts and he has since moved on. Now, we have a friendly little

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-84698394852963450142007-03-10T09:01:00.000-08:002007-03-10T09:14:54.493-08:00

Whenever I want to lift my spirits I play my "Blue-Footed Booby" video. This has to be one of my favorite birds. First of all they mate for life! Something most humans don't even do. And, my favorite part of all, they go through a courtship ritual every year too - where they face each other and show off their beautiful blue feet. Happy Happy. Many birds have amazing courtship

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-8387453319682714222007-03-07T09:50:00.000-08:002007-03-07T09:56:20.479-08:00

I always seem to find myself going back to pencil and charcoal. I love working with the pastel pencils and color, but there's something very satisfying about working with different gradations and achieving the drama that lights and darks can display. This is a Golden Eagle done with pencil and charcoal on white bristol paper. I used powdered charcoal on the background, dusting it in over and

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-57770240439990951942007-03-03T09:44:00.000-08:002007-03-07T09:57:55.468-08:00

I have heard of "oil pastels" but never tried them. Now I have - and any relationship they have to "pastels" is beyond me. They should be called "Really Gooey Crayons."I can see the appeal if you paint really big or really loose - but, for the fine lines and details that I like to achieve, forget it. It's not that you can't achieve those details (a script brush and some turpentine will work),

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-68569827951405480162007-02-28T11:49:00.000-08:002007-02-28T12:07:51.853-08:00

Usually, when I go to the zoo, most of the animals look very uncomfortable. They're either sound asleep, pacing or hiding. Not so at the Jacksonville Zoo. I visited the zoo last summer on a very hot and humid Florida day. I was so surprised to see most of the animals, birds and even the reptiles - being active. This is a beautiful zoo - clean, modernized and everyone looks well taken care of

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-19174261233540404162007-02-26T06:56:00.000-08:002007-02-26T07:08:00.499-08:00

A very hot day at the Jacksonville Florida Zoo I found most of the animals asleep. This was a great opportunity to take photos as no one was moving around very much. This is a wonderful zoo by the way. All the animals have shady areas or man made structures where they can get away from the heat of the Florida sun. Currently they have one bull, Ali, donated to the Zoo by Michael Jackson, and

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-50516683971156043282007-02-24T05:11:00.000-08:002007-02-24T05:20:01.846-08:00

Have you ever scanned a river at night with a flashlight? You'd be surprised at what you can see. Many species, usually birds, hunt by the light of a bright moon. They also find safety in roosting on logs, stumps, and rocks that are out in the river, away from the shore.This is pastel on acid free scrapbook paper. Scrap booking is very popular these days and many stores sell packets of many

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-64650905005769505292007-02-23T12:08:00.000-08:002007-02-23T12:32:27.454-08:00

"Girrafephany" is a play on the word epiphany. I seem to be having a lot of them lately. As I was doing this piece with pastel pencils I found myself picking up a drawing pencil frequently because I just couldn't get a line to go the way I wanted. Pastel pencils don't hold a point very long. I would say to myself, "oh no, can't do that - this is a pastel drawing, not a pencil drawing." When

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-88805188051487890032007-02-21T13:44:00.000-08:002007-02-21T13:56:42.322-08:00

Acorn Woodpeckers are found where oak trees are common in parks, cities and towns. They live in small noisy colonies, up to 16. In the fall they drill holes in what is termed a "granary tree" to store acorns. Trees have thousands and thousands of acorns stored. During the summer they eat mostly insects.This piece was done with pastels on Bristol. I felt like I was overworking the piece, bad

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-19438448793659998302007-02-20T09:00:00.000-08:002007-02-20T09:23:15.200-08:00

I was very much looking forward to doing this piece until I began. I had no idea a reference photo I took at an animal farm in Montana nearly 10 years ago would still stir up such sad emotions. The photo shoot was an "extra bonus" tagged onto an art workshop. If you paid an extra $150. you would be able to take photos of these many captive animals used in the film industry: Grizzly, Bengal

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-15204380797226413742007-02-19T10:47:00.000-08:002007-02-19T11:05:57.606-08:00

A beautiful raptor - the Harris Hawk. I did this piece with 1/2" pastel stumps, except for the beak tip, lore hairs and eye. Quite a challenge. I might try this again using pencils so I can capture all the feather details.I visited the LA Zoo this past weekend and was very disappointed with nearly all the exhibits except for the Bird show. The Harris Hawk was only presented for a minute but

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-89436651116895637482007-02-16T17:32:00.000-08:002007-02-16T17:39:21.095-08:00

I think this little Titmouse was as surprised to see me as I was to see him. I've never seen one here before and he was the only one among all the other birds at the feeder this morning. All fluffed up from the chilly morning air, with a look of total bewilderment. I'm not sure if it was the bird feeder that had him baffled......or the human.This is a pastel drawing (love those pastels) on

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-84123192387260704882007-02-15T08:21:00.000-08:002007-02-15T08:34:16.505-08:00

The Florida Manatee calf is pushed to the surface for its first breath of air.Manatees are a critically endangered species.My Valentine :-) gave me a wonderful assortment of graphite, charcoal and pastels. Couldn't wait to try the watersoluable graphite. The waviness developed after the piece dried. Looks like the graphite puddled in places.....mmmmm.......too much water maybe. I'll have to

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-42472696028517844042007-02-13T08:36:00.000-08:002007-02-13T08:35:50.026-08:00

I was sitting on the bank of a small river in Ohio - just enjoying the view and watching the birds. I was also tossing little pieces of a broken twig into the river. All of a sudden, out of the reeds, swims this very curious female wood duck. She stayed long enough to realize I wasn't tossing anything to eat, and for me to take a photo or two. So very pretty.This is pastel on cold pressed

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-42831081351307229402007-02-09T13:49:00.000-08:002007-02-12T13:26:57.127-08:00

I recently learned that #6 was also known as AC2. Given that information I was able to do more research. I would like to comment here that the California Condor was the species that moved me to begin using my art to educate the public about America's endangered species some 17 years ago. I have always felt this to be a magnificent bird - full of individual beauty and grace. I found the

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-88005570850088103662007-02-05T09:02:00.000-08:002007-02-05T12:57:10.949-08:00

This was done with pastels on acid free paper, toned blue.Condor #6 is from the Sespe Condor Sanctuary in southern California. I did this portrait, and then one of the bird standing in a field. Trying to find out more information on the bird - #6 is the tag on the bird's wing which will be very visible in the next painting. Condors are critically endangered and all those in the wild were

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-6643580476679952862007-02-04T09:20:00.000-08:002007-02-04T09:27:43.792-08:00

What a great way to start the year. 17 finished pieces of art work, and all are posted individually on this blog. I already have about a dozen pieces ready to begin for February - so stay tuned!

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-38642989635646512292007-02-02T06:55:00.000-08:002008-11-27T05:40:38.499-08:00

I thoroughly enjoyed doing this piece. I'm still trying to get crisp edges with pastels - what a challenge, but that's what I want to do. I came in here and there with a pencil to try and sharpen up the edges - it works! Interesting technique. Not sure how the whole piece would look though if I did that - maybe too cartoony. This was fun! Photo Reference courtesy of John

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-77342854297680062922007-01-31T12:43:00.000-08:002007-01-31T12:46:51.373-08:00

Wow! I am thoroughly enjoying working with these pastel pencils. I still have some more work to do on this piece but not too much - mostly shadows and greenery details.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-64242624792831688782007-01-30T11:31:00.001-08:002007-01-31T12:42:55.530-08:00

I liked how the pastels looked on the black paper yesterday, so today I decided to try olive green. This piece has a lot of reflections in the water, and the sky was a very pale gray blue. I'm really enjoying working with the pastel pencils and just as I thought - I'm spending a lot of time sharpening them. Looks like this one might take a few days to complete.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-75973672703448731102007-01-29T09:34:00.000-08:002007-01-29T09:42:10.200-08:00

Slim is our pet scrub-jay. Every morning he comes to the kitchen window looking for a peanut - and we happily give him one, or twenty. :-) If we don't he makes quite a fuss.This is pastel pencils on black bristol. I like the look of not blending using a stump, especially for the feathers.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-75392049524420533812007-01-28T11:32:00.000-08:002007-01-28T11:39:25.383-08:00

This was a very quick sketch - less than 30 minutes. I wanted to see how pastel sat/worked/behaved on top of dark paper. I'd like to experiment with pastels and see if I can get the same details as I obtain with pencils. I think the hardest part will be keeping a point on the pastels.My Mario is a great sport and a great subject. He is full of life and individuality AND he said it was okay to

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-40201221473628346502007-01-26T12:02:00.000-08:002007-01-26T15:09:00.988-08:00

Florida Manatees. I like the statement this piece makes, kind of like "Leave us alone!" The gash in the tail is to serve as a constant reminder that these animals continue to be run over and harassed by boaters not obeying the "Manatee Area - Slow Down" signs posted all up and down the east coast of Florida. This is a critically endangered species. You can learn more about the manatee at http:/

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-41312460338900286812007-01-25T10:26:00.000-08:002007-01-26T08:08:09.082-08:00

I could play around with this more but better to call it done than chance messing it up. An instructor I had always advised to avoid the 3 Ps as much as possible - "never piddle, puddle or play" :-)I was going to call this one "Yum!" when I began, but after changing the light I changed my mind. It seems the Mockingbird is always the first bird I see or hear in the wee hours of the morning. I

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-33261779356924732982007-01-24T18:46:00.000-08:002007-01-24T18:58:19.040-08:00

I softened the entire piece today - thinking of changing the direction of the light to mid left - not sure though. That's something I enjoy about working with charcoal and pencil - drama can be added or deleted easily.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-4782024532682511182007-01-23T12:32:00.000-08:002007-01-23T12:41:36.958-08:00

The suet basket is almost complete. I'm enjoying doing this piece very much, and happy I haven't succumbed to the urge to use a ruler. I think I've thought of a name too, " Yum! " - simple eh. :-)

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-25917007583828099572007-01-22T06:24:00.000-08:002007-01-23T12:41:09.683-08:00

This one is going to take a while so I thought I'd share the progress. At first, I was not going to include the suet basket - I was going to place the bird on a branch or surround it with flowers. Then I decided the suet basket would be a wonderful challenge to draw, and an unusual addition to the piece.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-69449721564570677972007-01-19T12:05:00.000-08:002007-01-19T12:32:56.598-08:00

This little guy (Western Fence Lizard) suns himself in the backyard almost daily. What captured my attention on this bright sunny day was the eerie manta ray like shadow it was casting.Charcoal and pencil on Bristol paper.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-52768445556765795872007-01-18T11:01:00.000-08:002007-01-18T11:31:23.605-08:00

So there I was driving through the long panhandle of Okalahoma. Mile after mile of open fields bordered with barbed wire. After about 200 miles or so I was getting bleary eyed and kept thinking I was seeing black dots flitting around out of the corner of my eye. Finally pulled over - so I could blink. I soon realized that those black dots were not my imagination! There, sitting on the

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-21158123450141821152007-01-17T14:52:00.000-08:002007-01-17T15:10:07.123-08:00

Presenting the Ae'o which means "standing tall" in Hawaiian. They can stand up to 16" tall and are on the endangered species list due to habitat loss, and the introduction of predators to Hawaii. I don't think the smile left my face as I drew this beautiful bird.This piece ended up being a combination of pencil, charcoal and acrylic paint. This is a very black bird and I just couldn't get the

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-6204982901725207372007-01-16T13:50:00.000-08:002007-01-16T13:58:32.184-08:00

The canals in Venice Beach, CA are beautiful - but, one time I visited them there seemed to be what looked like an oil slick everywhere, and the waters were very still and dark. I was shocked to see this pristine white egret fishing in this muck , and why he wasn't stained black was quite a mystery.....talk about a contradiction!

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-22981119352607438182007-01-15T12:29:00.000-08:002007-01-17T05:46:35.695-08:00

It was mid April in Ohio and an unexpected snow storm blew through. The lakes and rivers were covered with ice and snow and on the bank of this small lake I passed frequently stood this very discombobulated "ready for spring" Great Blue Heron. He was staring at the frozen water as if to say, "Now what do I do?" The site of this Heron, beautifully feathered in his elegant mating plumage,

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-61468977687714163762007-01-14T09:56:00.000-08:002007-01-15T10:01:29.926-08:00

This drawing is better than yesterday's......but, still not what I had in mind. I think the tilt is interesting. Oh well - time to move on.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-77970869680833626742007-01-13T07:22:00.000-08:002007-01-13T07:28:59.128-08:00

Good example of what happens when you lose the perspective, thus the drawing. This was supposed to be 2 horses - not a funny looking dog, and a ???? just what is that? I really don't like this pastel paper either. It's the Velour by Hahnemuhle. Too much tooth! Very unforgiving! You really have to work to bring out any highlights or erase anything.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-64629800511736577002007-01-12T08:02:00.000-08:002007-01-12T10:42:47.391-08:00

Quick little sketch. Pastel on Bristol.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-4876289404409324052007-01-11T07:07:00.000-08:002007-01-11T07:15:36.614-08:00

Pastel pencils and charcoal on vellum. I ground the paper with charcoal FIRST this time, so to avoid another mishap like yesterday. I enjoyed doing this piece very much. Every year, as I head east to do shows, I pass this lone buffalo on Interstate 40. He's always there looking very old and tired. Breaks my heart.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-63149088718579315922007-01-10T12:16:00.000-08:002007-01-10T12:23:48.330-08:00

This was strange. I had completed a nice drawing and decided to use the same technique I used on the manatee several days ago. Washed over the entire drawing with soft vine charcoal, then I was going to lift areas for highlights, etc. Well, the entire drawing disappeared. Then, I rubbed over it with a soft cloth and this figure appeared. Looks like a cat with something sticking out of the head -

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-22543532185114208422007-01-09T12:40:00.000-08:002008-11-27T05:41:44.851-08:00

I came upon this scene at the zoo in Jacksonville, Florida. The Woodstorks were standing in this river that I thought was covered with algae. At closer look I discovered there were zillions of teeny green leaves. The storks were almost posing, and the large primary wing feather on the bank was a perfect touch.Pastel pencils on pastel paper by Canson M. Teintes. I liked the paper better than the

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-66763965141376416732007-01-08T10:41:00.000-08:002007-01-08T10:47:14.230-08:00

Well, I like the nose, mouth and eye. - that's about all. This was done with pastel pencils on Hahnemuhle's velour pastel paper. The tooth is good, but almost too draggy. I overworked the piece. If you ever find yourself in Jacksonville, Florida - a trip to their new zoo is worth the time. You can see the entire zoo in a few hours. All the animals appear to be healthy and happy. They have a

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-29779187983531793532007-01-07T08:38:00.000-08:002007-01-07T08:42:25.558-08:00

I am thoroughly enjoying the use of charcoal again. The back Zebra was done with pencil and I didn't like it at all - can't believe I'm about to say this but it was too restrictive, too tight and took me nearly an hour to complete. The front Zebra I did in about 15 minutes with vine charcoal and a stump.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-10941761557394655142007-01-06T08:27:00.000-08:002007-01-06T08:34:01.634-08:00

The California Condor,critically endangered species.I love the drama I can create with charcoal and an eraser.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-4342379295718183112007-01-05T14:04:00.000-08:002007-01-05T14:19:42.857-08:00

This began as a pencil drawing. I then went over the entire piece with soft vine charcoal and smoothed it over using a bristle brush. Then I lifted the charcoal with a kneaded eraser. So many times I see photos of manatees with interesting water reflections on their backs. I have always thought those reflections look much like the scars left on them from boat propellers. Very sad, the demise

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-64572482729233227342007-01-04T05:09:00.000-08:002007-01-05T14:14:12.448-08:00

I held the pencil at the halfway point (except for the eye) - seems to be easier to stay loose, and was actually quite a challenge. Able to study the bird up close, they have all these teeny hair like feathers sticking out all over.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-91302656754430039882007-01-03T05:44:00.000-08:002007-01-05T14:14:51.407-08:00

I got too caught up in the details again - then it gets overworked - :-/

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-76934710106650838482007-01-02T09:47:00.000-08:002007-01-05T14:16:09.479-08:00

Foreshortening - boy am I out of practice.....and what's that lump in the middle of the head!

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2103536853397095742.post-77637738194775429882007-01-01T07:50:00.000-08:002007-01-05T14:16:47.474-08:00

Pay attention to negative space. Concentrate more on getting the overall dimensions correct, instead of the individual details. Details like the eye and the folds in the bill seem easier to add later if the perspective and dimensions are correct to begin with. The accuracy of the drawing is most important - don't worry about color. Grays are most important.

Diane Muratore Brucknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12155145011400351688noreply@blogger.com0