bike ride
Busy day at the birdlab (satellite office).
I rode 35 miles by bicycle and painted some birds. Through the streets of Oakland and San Francisco. Into the Marin headlands and back home to the paintbrush.
Peregrine Falcon
Sky
Through the branches.
While riding bikes around Oakland, CA.
Bound to cover just a little more ground
The chair and desk I’ve drawn you all these birds at is getting packed into the back of my truck. In just a few days I’m heading north on 101 to a city by the bay. The idea of which fills my head and heart with a thousand emotions.
I can’t see the future. Not even with all the fortune cookies I’ve had over the years, but I predict if you will: This move will send ripples through my artwork. “Positive Vibrations” to quote a Rastafarian I heard singing on a record player once.
I guess though, like everything else in life, we’ll just have to wait and see.
The uncertainty is the fuel for my hearts fire and I throw my hat over the wall and climb to go fetch it.
Thank you for your continued support (letting me waste your time with crudely drawn birds and Grateful Dead quotes).
One of the last few sketches put down here in these four walls. Between packing boxes and filling out paperwork I made good time for another Owl friend.
If I knew the way…
I would take you home.
The other day I heard a friend of mine was having some health problems. I said a prayer in my head as I set out on my bicycle to admire the beautiful piece of the planet I inhabit. As I thought of this good for my friend a Red-shouldered Hawk flew right over my head from a tree behind me. Moments later I came across another tree with a pair of Red-shouldered hawks looking down to me on my bicycle. The smile that brought fueled me further and moments later I was face to face with another Red Hawk. I’m not here to preach to you about anything other than the good that is the natural kingdom, but I will say those hawks brought me good hope on their wings. An experience well timed, I am grateful for. Whatever unfolds down the line from here I am forever grateful to be here to draw birds for you on our planet Earth. If that’s all I’ll do then that’s the best I’ll do.
Thank you.
Watercolor and pen on paper.
Acrylic paint on plywood.
Portrait of a ghost train.
Hypothetically speaking mind you.
Beautifully Broken.
Playing in the backyard again today.
Elbow room
With out a doubt, my favorite part of mountain biking is the access it grants me to the areas around. In this case California’s central coast.
I do my best thinking with my feet off the pavement. These day trips help me put together thoughts and drawings on the page as well as sort a plan to be the best person I can.
Here comes sunshine
I got out today on the bicycle for the first time since the rains came through. My knee healed up nice from my recent attempt at bicycle slip n’ sliding. The hills around were looking quite refreshed. I know the water table is still low, but it’s good to see some evidence we’re on the right track. At the very least I’m on the right track.
Over the hills
From a bicycle birding adventure a couple weeks ago. Since I’m currently sitting around with stitches in my knee from a bicycle mis-adventure. Looking back at some pictures from this fall. I’m excited to get out again soon and explore more California hills.
farnco illustrations 