Anhinga!

"Anhinga" ©Amanda Brannon
Original Clay Board Engraving

I've been burning the midnight oil in my studio, while preparing to showcase my art at the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Expo in Florida in January. This handsome fellow is going with me. It's an anhinga, in case you didn't know! Another name for them is "water turkey" because of their tail feathers. I'm loving researching the native birds in that region.  Next on my list is to do a Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

Bristle-thighed Curlew

"Bristle-thighed Curlew"
Original Clay board Engraving.
©Amanda Brannon

A couple of years ago, I was selected to be the featured artist for the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival in Homer, Alaska.  I had really hoped to do a sandhill crane illustration (my favorite bird) for this event. Much to my chagrin, the committee chose the Bristle-thighed curlew for my subject matter.  "ARGHHH!!! A Bristle-thighed what?!!!"

I was a little grumpy about this decision, at first. But, after some soul-searching, I decided to adjust my attitude and take the opportunity to learn about this bird. Boy, am I glad I did!  This fascinating little bird migrates between Alaska and the Pacific Islands! Although not exactly colorful, I appreciate the beautiful mottled pattern on it's back and it's fluffy "pantaloons." And what about that long, curved beak?  In my engraving, my Bristle-thighed curlew is exploring the shore of Kachemak Bay, with China Poot Peak in the background. This is my favorite place in Alaska. I love combing the shore there, looking for little pieces of beach glass, sea shells, and heart-shaped rocks.

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to get to know this darling bird. Since then, I've been illustrating a variety of birds as a means of learning more about them.  Right now, I'm working on an Anhinga. Stay tuned!

Warhol Raven — Corvid of Many Colors

Talk about a departure from what I typically do!  But I'm really loving the bright colors of this pop art piece. It's a take-off (rip-off) of Andy Warhol's "Mariln" <LOL>.  I don't have much else to say, except that this piece is making me think of doing more of re-creating classic artworks using Pacific Northwest birds and animals! 

Horned Puffin

"Horned Puffin" ©Amanda Brannon
Clay board engraving with acrylic ink color-wash.

The Horned Puffin is one of my favorite birds to watch for, when cruising Alaska and British Columbia. I just love their cute little size (about as big as a pigeon) and their adorable beak and eyes are simply captivating, don't you think?  I just love nature and it's infinite inspiration.

The original art engraving is available.  If you are interested, please contact me through my website.  I also have cards and prints of this piece.

The Star Shakers

"Star Shakers" ©Amanda Brannon
Clay Board Engraving with Acrylic Ink Color-wash

When I was inspired to create this piece a couple of years ago, someone near and dear to me in Alaska was going through a major transition. I kept having this vision of Dall's sheep frolicking beneath the Northern Lights. Sure enough, on the final night of her life on Earth, the Northern Lights danced outside her window and an earthquake shook the house. All I could say was, "We were not surprised." Hers was a life well-lived, full of laughter, love, and MUCH adventure—more than most people could dream of having. She was one of the most remarkable women I'd ever known, so it made sense that on the evening of her departure, there would be beauty and awe.

This piece reminds me to live more fully and with abandon, like a couple of Dall's sheep under the dancing Northern Lights...like a Star Shaker!

Prints of this piece are available, for the first time, in 8x10 gallery wrapped canvas through Taku Graphics. www.TakuGraphics.com

If you're interested in a differnt size, please feel free to contact me through my web site.

Moose Party!

Who knew that moose were so sophisticated?  I started with the handsome bull and realized he needed a glamorous companion. These two make such a lovely couple, don’t you think? 
It almost looks as though they are about to be married.

They would make a fabulous gift for a couple or even for yourself!

They are available on 8x10 canvas and also on cards through www.TakuGraphics.com
1-800-ART-3291.

For larger-sized prints, you can contact me directly through my website.

"Moose-stache" ©Amanda Brannon.
Engraving on clay board.

"Glamour Moose" ©Amanda Brannon
Engraving on clay board.