Charlie the bull

This is Charlie. Along with his herd, he grazes some tussocky fields strung along the valley bottom of the River Ouse here in Turweston. A magnificent animal, he is apparently a gentle giant, but I must admit I never allow him to get that near.

The original watercolour of Charlie is sold but a print of him can be bought here.

Taki & Lord Gage

Taki is an Amazon parrot and Lord Gage is a well known judge. I'm sometimes asked to paint people's pets and this was one of my favourite commissions.

Visit my website at Chris Pendleton.

Greenland? Wheatear

I'll be heading up to Boddington Reservoir over the next week or two. I saw this Wheatear last year and am still unsure whether it was the common, north European Wheatear or the more unusual, warmer-toned Greenland sub-species that begins its migration a little earlier from its more northerly summer territory.

This sketch is for sale at my website here.

Passage Willow Warbler

Warblers have been passing through for a few weeks now. This Willow Warbler was flitting in the birch trees a few days ago.

This watercolour can be bought from my website here.

Woodpigeon

When I first showed this watercolour to a customer he virtually spat the word pigeon. He is a farmer and sees them as nothing but pests that damage crops, particularly winter greens. 

As with all birds and animals, even common ones, there is beauty to be found and woodpigeons are exquisite in their plums and slatey blues. They're also very obliging models.

This watercolour is still available! at woodpigeon

Turtle Doves

So sad that these dainty little doves are scarcer than they used to be. I did see some at Otmoor this year though - in the car park!

This watercolour is sold but more of my work is at my website

Summer Song Thrush

As usual far too long between posts.

This lovely bird was perched in our damson tree for quite a while in this pose, which made him a pleasure to draw. It was only when I'd finished this watercolour that I realised just how cleverly he is camouflaged. Actually, I don't know if it's a male or a female but, from the slightly yellow lower mandible, I think it may be a young bird any way.

This watercolour is for sale from my website Click here