I post a holder for dryer lint for the birds to use in their nests. Today, I saw a hummer picking out some fluff to use for her nest. My first sighting of the year. Now to try and follow her to see what else I can discover!
Isn't Spring wonderful! Here's one of my new etchings of a hummer nest.
I spent the morning chipping cedar branches for mulch. I've had a lot of work done on the property and it is really looking good.
Now it is back to the art work...
Melanie
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Melanie Fain
Watercolors and Etchings of Wildlife and the Natural World
www.melaniefain.com
We saw pictures of the terrible ice storm that hit Tulsa this week. It was devastating to look at, I can only imagine how difficult it is for all the families int he midwest.
Here is hoping that power is restored soon ad that this winter proves to be more gentle than last year.
Melanie
The Hummingbirds have returned!!
I decided to put the feeders out, because I knew they would be here soon - tonight, I had a report that the first one appeared at the kitchen feeder.
Hummingbirds make the Texas springtime more beautiful.
Melanie
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Melanie Fain
Etchings and Watercolors - A window to the natural world
www.melaniefain.com
Wildlife Art Blog
I am in the midst of preparing for the NatureWorks Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma and don't have much time before I leave on Thursday.
Saturday, it occurred to me that the Purple Martins oughta be returning soon & I really should get their apartments cleaned out. Seems they always return right after my show in Charleston, SC.
Maybe it could wait til I got back, but the feeling was nagging at me. So I attempted to lower the house to clean it only to find the rope terribly frayed. It would have to be replaced. It would have to wait and I left the house at half mast.
Sunday, walking up to the studio, I heard what I was sure was a martin. Sure enough, that sleek form swooping past the lowered house. Now it couldn't wait.
I took the time and changed out the rope and cleaned house and got the house back up into position.
Here they came.
Today I am blessed with several more martins swooping past the house and landing to check out the apartments. The martins are back with their wonderfully pleasant chatter and warbling.
Before heading up the to the studio this morning, I got the feeling I should get the hummingbird feeders out. So, I've now got 3 feeders hanging in anticipation of the first arrival.
Spring is coming on fast in the Texas Hill Country!
All the best,
Melanie
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Melanie Fain
Etchings and Watercolors providing a window to the natural world
Windows on the Natural World: A Glimpse into Nature as Art
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2007, San Antonio, Texas -
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts can treat their spirits this month to a glimpse into nature as art in San Antonio, Texas. From February 8th to March 8th, 2007, the work of Texas Hill Country artist Melanie Fain will be featured at the Hunt Gallery in a one-woman show called Windows on the Natural World.
A well-known artist in the United States, Melanie Fain's etchings and watercolors depict birds, botanicals, and insects. Fain's work is a sensitive and elegant portrayal of creatures in their natural habitat, as view through her own eyes in the wild, and in the wildlife setting of her home on seven wooded acres. Says Melanie of her work, "I have always been drawn to nature - it is my livelihood, my recreation, my comfort, my home. It is who I am and what I know best. My goal in my art is to capture the essence of how I feel about a particular subject and share that emotional connection with my collectors."
The etchings are hand-printed, then hand-painted with watercolor of pastel, making each one unique. Fain's work has garnered top awards throughout the country and can be found in both public and private collections from coast to coast. Each edition is limited to 100 signed/numbered etchings, with 10 artist proofs.
The is the first San Antonio show since Fain developed her new genre of work using a multiple plate process. The process gives the etchings a unique and distinctive look. There is no other wildlife artist in the United States doing this style of etchings.
One unique feature of Fain's etchings is the "printmaker's chop" - a mark or seal created with an embossing tool in the margin of edge of an etching. The symbol is a mark of authenticity - in this particular case, Fain pulls her etchings on her own press, as indicated by the rattlesnake tail chop that appears beside her signature. As Fain tells it, "I felt the rattler chop was unusual and would be a symbol not readily used by anyone...symbolic of starting my professional art career in South Texas. Twenty-five years later, I am still a printmaker pulling my own fine art etchings of the natural world that people love."
The Windows on the Natural World show will be featured at The Hunt Gallery, located at 4225 McCullough Ave in San Antonio, Texas. Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday 9-5.
The Hunt Gallery will host an Artist Reception/Opening on February 8, 2007, from 6-8 p.m. Call (210)822-6527 or visit http://www.huntgallery.net
For more information, visit Melanie Fain's website: www.melaniefain.com
or contact Melanie Fain @ mel@melaniefain.com or by phone at (830) 377-3255
# # #
Melanie Fain Studio
PO Box 187
Boerne, Texas 78006
830.377.3255
www.melaniefain.com
mel@melaniefain.com
We have had snow and sleet and freezing rain for a couple of days. Here is what my studio looked like this morning...
We got out to play some ball...
I'll post some more photos later.
Melanie
*************
Melanie Fain Studio
www.melaniefain.com
I am on my way to Keystone, and should be there by noon.
It is great being back in Colorado. I have missed the scenery. I am also looking forward to the cool mornings.
I am hoping to get some photgraphy done while I am here, native plants, birds, insects, etc. You never know where the inspiration for the next watercolor is going to come from.
Have a great day,
Melanie
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Melanie Fain
Watercolors & Etchings From Nature
www.melaniefain.com
I am at Port Aransas this weekend. I have been feeding the gulls off the balcony railing this morning - making friends with one particularly fiesty gull. The gull pushed all the other gulls off the rail, so he got the biggest share of multi-grain bread.
My plans are to relax, watch birds, and photograph the gulls, pelicans, and shore birds.
This is a welcome break.
