When I painted this California quail, "The Tamaracks' Quail", I wanted the plume and patterned feathers to tell part of the story—while the pink bloom behind it suggests the seasonal places I collect botanical fragments in the Pacific Northwest. The figure is built with layered watercolor washes and fine ink, then finished with mixed-media texture and touches of metallic medium for bits of light. The background’s blush was applied with a flowing, controlled splash technique—meant to evoke field edges and seed heads without literal reproduction.

This piece reflects a practice I return to often: combining traditional mark-making with botanical references to create work that holds both observation and memory. The quail’s stance is calm but curious—an invitation to consider small wildlife as companions in quiet moments. Which detail draws you in first—the plume, the feather patterns, or that unexpected pink amaranth bloom? ✨🌸🪶

"The Tamaracks' Quail" was inspired by a male California quail that was perched on our back porch railing in the summer of 2023.  He was guarding over his mate and chicks from a higher vantage point as they foraged on the ground, ensuring their safety like a proud papa.

Size: 14x14x0.5"

Medium:  watercolor, acrylic & Bombay ink, white gouache, Schmincke 'Aqua Bronze' (copper & silver), botanicals on canvas

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Note: the painting is protected with multiple coats of Fine Art Fixative to help shield against UV damage. Obviously, hanging paintings in direct sunlight will affect color retention over time.