illustration

Baby Penguin in Blue Shoes

| clairemeyler

2010.6.2 Penguin in blue shoes

Ok, seriously. This is a cute frickin’ bird. How can you look at this bird and *not* squeal?! I found a baby penguin wearing little blue shoes. What?!

Ok, I know – at the beginning of the year, I said that I really didn’t want to draw baby birds or penguins because they were just too damned “cute.” And cute makes me squirm, because on some level I still don’t want to be mistaken for a girly-girl. Well, what can I say? I was pregnant when I drew this. There is nothing more lady-ish than procreation. It’s kind of what we’re built for. It brought out all my girl-ness. And now I can’t put it back. Bring on the cute.

Scarlet Ibis

| clairemeyler

2010.5.31 Scarlet Ibis

Although I chose a bird that I thought would be delightful to draw, this is not one of my best illustrations. It’s just stiff and flat. I stopped before became stiff and overworked, which can sometimes be a danger due to my perfectionist tendencies. Sometimes, you need to know when to walk away. Sorry, Mr. ibis.

Snowy Owl

| clairemeyler

2010.5.30 Snowy Owl

I guess I also love Snowy Owls. I drew one in February, and a chick in April. As an artist, owl faces are kind of confusing to me. They are oddly flat and yet so expressive. I think my searching to understand them is what makes these drawings some of the strongest in the series, regardless of medium.

Razorbill

| clairemeyler

2010.5.29 Razorbill

This little bird is flapping to say “hi” to you. He’s a cutie.

Fun fact: Razorbill Pengins only come ashore to breed, and they mate for life. Wet, dedicated little families.

Magpie

| clairemeyler

2010.5.27 Magpie

I call my daughter “Magpie” now. During the year I drew the birds, I never thought of this. But it seemed such a natural nickname once she was born.