Clay Pot Oil painting, Vermillion Fly Catcher and Helpers

Clay Pot With Red Flowers will be in my October Exhibit at Lee-Bunch Gallery in Del Rio, Texas.

Jean Levert Hood, Clay Pot With Red Flowers, 16x20, Oil on Linen

I think the most brilliantly colored bird we have is the Vermillion Flycatcher. I have 3 shots for you, they're all taken at a distance and not as clear as I'd like.  This small bird sits in the same spot on the far patio fence each morning just about coffee time.  We see this beauty in the summer and breeding time.



It hasn't yet come to the bird bath where I can get a better photo, but sits facing the field.  We have a watering hole for the animals just outside of the fence, maybe he's watching for insects there.  They do like open water, so this would be a better option than the morning crowd at the birdbath.



He's a beacon of neon red/orange!  This one below is a tad fuzzy, but the best my lens can do.

Now, I have an important Studio Update:  

Those of you who have been reading my blog for some time know that I started with just 2 helpers.  Two.  They worked out fine.  No problems.  Then, a friend came to visit - again fine - and then she decided to stay.  Ok, I have a lot of studio work to be done, so that has worked out too.  Soon they wanted a kitty.  Fine, got them a kitty. I was a little concerned with kitty, but she doesn't jump on furniture or my palette, so all is fine again.  

Well, remember how I said there was an awful lot of "High Five-ing" going on????    Now I know why.  I really don't know what to say at this point and will have to get back to you later.  They wanted 2 portraits: