Assorted sketches

Sketches, mostly birds, in ballpoint pen and colored pencil:

Masked weaver

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 15 cm:

In winter, the males and females look pretty much the same: drab light brown. But during the breeding season the males turn bright yellow, with black mask and reddish eyes. They then construct their intricately woven nests, trying to attract a mate.

Cape white-eyes

Cape white-eyes (Zosterops virens). Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm.

These are the archetypal tweety birds: round and fluffy and cute looking. They're quite common around here, where they move in small groups through dense foliage, looking for insects and chattering to one another.

Lemon, spice, dandelion

Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm:

Two irises

Acrylics on Masonite, 25 x 20 cm:

Wisteria cottage

Acrylic on board, 20 x 25 cm:

Tuscan window

Oil on board, 20 x 25 cm:

When it comes to painting outdoors subjects, I seem to prefer this sort of intimate scene rather than grand vistas. Not even sure what one should call this: landscape or still life? No idea, but it is what it is.