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I took photos of this teeny hummingbird at a Rutger’s University extension garden located in central, New Jersey.

My sister came over for a visit and to use one of my computers. While she was working, I started sketching the cover of a magazine (the model biting her lip).  I used a large sheet of Epson archival matte paper, only because it was handy in a nearby printer.  The paper has a lovely finish — similar to a Bristol paper — and the Pentalic Aqua pencil that I also had nearby worked very nicely on it.  Why I placed the first image where I did is beyond me; I suspect because it was initially a doodle that I kept at as she kept working.  Because there was so much white space, I decided to add another model (the top right) and then another (center) and finally the one on the left (which is my favorite of the bunch, although more so the head/face than the shoulder area).  While I don’t mind the color, and I did like how soft the pencil is to work with, I wondered how it would look without the color. I photographed the drawing, and put a Photoshop black/white layer adjustment on it.  I’m not sure which I like better. Here’s the result:

These were primarily taken at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in NJ, except for two taken near my home bird feeder.

I did both of these based on photos I took.

This winter I have shot hundreds upon hundreds (okay, into the thousands) of birds and outdoor nature images.  Some of my images I used as references for paintings and drawings, which I am truly enjoying.  While my goal today was to finish weeding my winter photos before starting a new season, that didn’t happen.  Instead, with yesterday’s snowstorm and this morning’s beautiful lighting, I was outside shooting more.  Here’s a favorite of the day.

February 4, 2014 – update!
I am thrilled to report that the fundraiser was a complete success! In only 2.5 hours, $10,000 was raised for The American Cancer Society!  My piece has a new home in Irvine, California!

The 100 Fundraiser to Fight Cancer starts tomorrow, February 4th, at 10 a.m. CST.  I am one of the 100 selected artists participating in the event, and the above work, featured on page 45 of my book, Gloria Hansen: An Evolution in Stitches, Paint, & Pixels, is my small contribution.  Please get involved and make a difference.  For more information, please visit Fiberart For A Cause.