Paintings of Wildlife & Nature by Rebecca Latham
Sharing a few snapshots of the Latham section of the gallery after hanging for the 2013 Spring Show at Whistle Pik Galleries in Fredericksburg. Many thanks to the wonderful people there for everything they do.
The show will run April-May. ..be sure to stop by if you are in the area. :)
Download the show information here.
Afternoon Swim – Mallard Duckling, 5″x7″, watercolor on board, ©Rebecca Latham
With the weather shifting to spring, I was in the mood to paint some little ones I’ve visited with in previous years. I always love seeing little ducklings in ponds near where I live..tagging along after their mother. It’s fascinating to watch their curiosity distracting them as they dart around investigating their environment.
Strength – American Bald Eagle, ~6″x6″, watercolor on board, ©Rebecca Latham
This is a small painting that was made as a part of the body of work for exhibition at Whistle Pik Galleries opening soon.
I liked the expression of the bird.. one of the things that attracted me to painting it. ..but more intriguing, at least for me, was the unusual light. It felt very soft and subtle (the original work shows this even more than the digital scan). I wanted that environment to draw in the viewer.
Trumpeter Elegance – Trumpeter Swan, 5×7,watercolor on board, ©Rebecca Latham
This is a small recent piece that as completed.. a Trumpeter Swan on a pond. I was attracted to the long fluid shapes in the trails of water behind the elegant bird. Watching the swan glide through the pond, interacting with it’s mate and lightly snacking, was very calming. I tried to express that in this piece also.
This painting will be a part of Whistle Pik Galleries’ National Spring show in Fredericksburg, TX opening in April.
Black Leopard – Work in Progress, ~5″×7″, sepia watercolor on board, ©Rebecca Latham
I was recently asked to create a painting of a black leopard after displaying a cougar piece in an exhibition. So, after some delay with other deadlines that always seem to get in the way, I now have this little piece in progress.
I have painted numerous exotic cats before, and love the mysterious looks they express.. and especially in the richness of color in the coat of the black leopard, there is a lot of drama and impact that can be played with in a painting. In the past, I have glazed in sterling silver and 24kt gold pigments in the finishing of paintings, a little extra glow to draw the viewer into the painting. However, I am not quite sure where this piece will take me at this point.
Contemplation – Great Horned Owl, ~6×6, watercolor on board, ©Rebecca Latham
I am pleased to post the upcoming Spring Show at Whistle Pik Galleries. The beautiful exhibition advert is pictured on the left. (linked to a large image)
April 5th – May 1st, 2013, the Fredericksburg, TX gallery will be hosting an invitational group exhibit. This painting above is one of the pieces that will be in the show.
I have a collection of pieces arriving in the gallery shortly for early display and preview viewing. I hope you are able to visit, either online or in person.
Mallards in Progress, ~ 9″ x 22″, watercolor wash on board, ©Rebecca Latham
This is a new work in progress that I have on the easel, shown here after the watercolor underpainting has been washed in. I wanted to work in an unusual size for a while and had been looking for an excuse to design one. The mallard trio I placed in this piece gave a lovely setting, with complex water trails leading the eye through the painting in abstract designs. ..and the perfect opportunity.
Glance Back – Red Fox, 5″x7″, watercolor on board, ©Rebecca Latham
I am pleased to be a part of the Masterworks in Miniature show at Gallery One again this year.
The painting I have in the exhibit is a red fox, inspired by a resident that would nap in a meadow in view of my home. He would contently bask in the sun for hours at a time. After lengthy naps, and a serious set of stretches, he would be off on a mission to explore and search for a snack.
Rabbit in the Moss, Sepia watercolor on board, 5in x 7in, ©Rebecca Latham
I’m frequently visited by several little rabbits, most often in the mornings. It lights up my day a bit to see a little furry visitors as I grab a cup of coffee and peek out the window before heading back to the studio. ..and sometimes, if I’m lucky and they are patient with me, I manage to snatch some reference material to paint them. This was one of those moments…
I’ve included both the sepia and final full color versions of the painting for comparison. the moss was especially fun.. I love painting the earthy colors with so much texture. I may have had more fun on the background in this piece than the animal..
Family Outing – Trumpeter Swans, approx 3in x 5in, watercolor on board, ©Rebecca Latham
This was a small painting created for an exhibition. I enjoyed seeing the interaction between the pair of swans and their cygnet. It seemed very cozy and calming watching them glide across the pond with a soft light behind them and the blue sky reflecting in the shadows. I thought the arrangement of the scene would be a nice fit as a small work.