Seney National Wildlife Refuge Tour Location

Seney National Wildlife Refuge in Michigan will be hosting the Federal Duck Stamp tour Jul 1-31 where my Canada Goose painting will be on display.  Though I have never visited the refuge, it is described as an excellent birding spot.  ….I hope you can drop in if you are in the area.   http://www.fws.gov/midwest/seney/

This is a little information about the Seney National Wildlife Refuge from their website:

Seney NWR is located in the east-central portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, half way between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, and encompasses 95,238 acres.  Located in northern Schoolcraft County, the Refuge is removed from major population centers; the three nearest major communities are each more than 80 miles away.The Seney Wilderness Area contains the Strangmoor Bog National Natural Landmark and comprising 25,150 acres, or 26 percent of the Refuge.

The wild land that today is Seney NWR has not always appeared so wild.  This is a land that was once heavily logged, burned, ditched, drained, and cultivated.  Despite repeated attempts, the soils and harsh conditions of this country would not provide a hospitable environment for sustained settlement and agriculture.  So, nature claimed it once again.  What was viewed as a loss by early 20th century entrepreneurs became a huge gain for the wildlife, natural resources, and the people of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The history and timeline of this area are explored further in other sections of this website.

Seney NWR was established in 1935 under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act for the protection and production of migratory birds and other wildlife.  While management for migratory birds is paramount, the Refuge provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife species, both migratory and non-migratory.  Approximately 22 species of reptiles and amphibians, 50 species of mammals, 26 species of fish, and over 200 species of birds have been documented on the Refuge.”

 

Empty Easel (Interview)

 

I was recently contacted to be interviewed by Empty Easel, an online art magazine with practical advice, tips, and tutorials for creating and selling art.  The article is set to be published today.

From the Empty Easel newsletter:

“Talented wildlife painter Rebecca Latham will discuss nearly every part of her own painting process. . . from motivation, to the materials she uses, to her thoughts on composition. Don’t miss it!”

See the article here: http://emptyeasel.com/2011/06/28/an-interview-with-watercolor-painter-rebecca-latham/

12×16 white wolf (Sepia)

This is a detail photograph of a new white wolf I am working on – shown in the sepia stage of the painting.  I am really looking forward to working in the porous and pitted rock texture as well as moving into the color phase of bringing up the backlighting and some added habitat aspects.  More to come..

Color Studies from Iowa & Southern Minnesota

I was recently on a little trip through Southern Minnesota and Iowa.  Often when I’m off traveling I take along my sketchbook (or occasionally my usual painting supplies and a work-in-progress if deadlines demand that I keep working..) and work along the way, at our stops…or in the vehicle or plane.

This is a collection of some of the very quick rough color studies of landscapes along the way..

Bear Cub 9×12 (Sepia)

This little black bear, examining his paw, has been a delightful subject to paint.  As in the case of this little one, I always love watching them romp and play, as bear cubs love to do.  The light from behind, giving a bit of a glow, will be an aspect that I will focus on into the color process.  The painting will finish as an 9″x12″, shown here in sepia watercolor, ©Rebecca Latham

Little Duckling Watercolor

This is a little painting, only 4″x6″, of a duckling swimming.  He and his sibling were following their mother across a small pond.  I was really drawn to the beautiful water patterns and the energetic personality of the little bird. For the painting, I focused on rendering the softness of the downy feathers and subtle blue hues contrasting with the bold pattern of the water.  Ripples – Duckling, watercolor on board, 4in x 6in, ©Rebecca Latham

Rocky Edge – Mountain Goat

For pleasure or work, I thoroughly enjoy travelling to lofty places, for both the epic views & vistas as well as the animals that reside there.  This is a painting that came from one such adventure.  A mountain goat enjoying his spot along a ledge in mountainous terrain.  He allowed me to study him for a bit, and so, I was able to produce this painting.  The original will debut in July at Masters in Miniature, Trailside Galleries, in Jackson Hole.

Rocky Edge – Mountain Goat, watercolor on board, 5×7, ©Rebecca Latham

Explorers – Bobcat Kittens Giclee Release

I am very pleased to post the release of my new edition, “Explorers – Bobcat Kittens“, a 10″x10” giclee reproduction of the original watercolor painting.  The limited edition of 200 is printed on canvas in the same size as the original work and is rendered in archival pigmented inks.  I was very pleased with the richness of color from the glazes in the painting that translated to the print.

The painting debuted at the exhibit, American Miniatures, at Settlers West Gallery in Arizona earlier this year.

Dressed for the Powwow

This is another work from my series of paintings from the Mdewakanton Dakota Sioux tribal dances (and their attending guests from various tribes) that are hosted in our area.  This is a young lady that had just been a part of a dance several minutes prior, and was scanning the crowd, perhaps for those she recognized.  I loved the strong line in the design of her shawl, the light reflected in the white trim, and the arid folds in her scarf.

Little Dancer, watercolor on board, 6×8, ©Rebecca Latham

Being a Power Artist (Interview)

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Image via Wikipedia

 

Recently I was asked to be a part of an interview series by fellow artist, Lori Mcnee, highlighting individuals as #PowerArtists.  It’s pretty flattering to be named a power artist.  Lori and I have crossed paths before as gallery artists, and of course online.  Here is a link to the article on her Fine Art Tips website: http://www.finearttips.com/2011/06/powerartists-interview-with-wildlife-painter-rebecca-latham/

Lori McNee is an internationally recognized professional artist who specializes in still life and landscape oil paintings. Lori shares valuable fine art tips, art business tips and social media advice on her blog, http://FineArtTips.com and on her blog, Art Business & Fine Art Tips with Lori McNee at Artist’s Network, http://artistsnetwork.com/category/lori-mcnee. Lori is a published author and writes for the Artist’s Magazine and North Light Books to name a few. Currently, Lori ranks as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women on Twitter & was named a TwitterPowerhouse by The Huffington Post.