Honey Bee

Since I started drawing Endangered Animals, there has been a decline. In the first few months of drawing and researching them, the Black Rhino was declared extinct. Not even a year later, and the news continues to reel in with desolate results. A report came out today : Honeybee Death Rate is Currently too High for Survival of the Species - See more at: http://livefreelivenatural.com/honeybee-death-rate-currently-high-survival-species-crucial-food/#sthash.tecvPGbj.dpufI will leave it to the scientists to share the importance and viability of the Honey Bee, but as an eco-warrior and artist who does research and keep account of the connection to our brilliant planet, I can tell you beyond needing these creatures that they are absolutely remarkable. .... not only regarding the jobs they naturally and selflessly fulfill, but in their every detail that I have studied at magnification. Such magnificence should be marvelled, respected and loved. At the time I included the Honey Bee into my Endangered Species series, I had a feeling they were too small, and too easily ignored, and I was worried from the beginning.Sad days are ahead folks ...the human condition is proving that we are capable of standing by and allowing such an important living creature to vanish. We are such a destructive species. We have a history of waiting until it is far too late.If it is any inspiration, I do think that many care about many creatures as small as the Honey Bee, and wish every day that we all came together to act, and not allow such heart sick situations to ever happen. Yet with Corporate corruption and deceit, our future seems pretty bleak. Instead of choosing to stop using poisons that we knew damn well were harmful to them - KILLING them - as of now, there will be a change greater than we ever could have imagined because bees are a very important species.  And we let them go.They say you never know what you had until it's gone. Truth is, we knew exactly what we had... we just thought we would never lose it, we took it for granted while we had it, combined with Corporations having control over the demise of our future for their current pocket book. And so perhaps we deserve whatever sad future will be without Honey Bees.

Burrowing Owl

Burrowing OwlPopulation - fewer than 1000 pairs estimated in CanadaCharcoal on Paper 9"x12" • Prints available hereThe burrowing owl, distinguished by its very long legs and short tail, is one of the smallest owl species. It gets its name from nesting in burrows dug by animals such as ground squirrels, badgers and prairie dogs. Burrowing owls are also known as “Howdy Owls” because of their habit of bobbing up and down in a bowing motion, a behaviour that likely allows them to determine distance from multiple viewpoints. Young owls in the nest make a rattling sound similar to rattlesnakes to ward off predators.Burrowing owls were historically found in the grasslands of central and southwestern Canada, central and southern United States and Mexico, and South America. In Canada, the burrowing owl has virtually disappeared from Manitoba and British Columbia. Throughout their remaining range, they exist in greatly diminished numbers in isolated fragments. Fewer than 1,000 pairs are thought to exist in Canada.

I love Glazing with Acrylics

Glazing is by far my favourite technique. Glazing with any paints - Acrylics, Oils or Watercolours - is magical.  However, acrylics do allow for a slightly different approach with the technique as with some unique results - from the range of pigments and mediums available, to the permanency, control and speed (although even acrylics test my patience sometimes!) that produces extraordinary luminous layers.I will use any kind of Polymer Medium as I find there is little shift in viscosity from a specifically marketed 'Glazing Medium' to a 'Polymer Medium' (sometimes I add a little water if thinner is preferable). Using a medium instead of water only is important as it maintains the integrity of the paint, adhesion, and permanency between layers - all of which offers more control, from smoother brushstroke applications, to the forgiving 'wipe-off' of an area or a layer, as well as choice in the sheen and finish (I use gloss as it is best for highest chroma and clarity).One of my favourite acrylic mediums can be seen drying in the second step of this process image - Dry Media Ground/Pastel Ground - where I decided the trees would be drawn in with charcoal and soft pastel (consistent with much of my work). It's an invaluable medium when using acrylics when I wish to bring in dry media, and can apply it selectively.My colour palette for this piece consisted mostly of transparent pigments using Liquid/Fluid Acrylics: Quinacridone Violet, Quinacridone Magenta, Indian Yellow and Interference Violet, along with Paynes Grey (Opaque). The secret weapon for the suns glow is a base of 'Liquid Mirror' - an (Opaque) acrylic colour that looks and acts like platinum, so the results when glazing with transparent colours over top is much like painting on a mirror. I also dig using Semi-Opaque and Opaque colours as well, either using a lot of medium (I'm just mindful about the shift in colour as it dries) or as is to cover certain areas.Glazing always tickles my curiosity and wonder - as layers gently build up there are awe inspired moments when brushstrokes and shapes melt, colours shift and magic happens!

☆ Invasion ☆

1930s inspired sci-fi interpretation dedicated to my beloved cat Mordecai ... who every day reminds me in his miserable way that his kind came here, and are still waiting for their Mothership to return! This is the untold story and history of the legion Felis Catus, explorers of new galaxies in search of a primitive pre-warp civilization planet to conquer... who once upon a time found earth and quietly ruled as the dominant species for thousands of years.

Awakened

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. – Anatole France

Feature Artist Kelli Coulson • CALL TO ARTISTS for 'Ivory is for Elephants'

Oil on board - 24" x 48Artist Kelli Coulson

"I am very passionate about the idea that ivory is for Elephants. I have never understood how humans could kill such a majestic creature, all to make useless trinkets that have no purpose. The ivory of an Elephant is rightfully theirs - is it part of their majestic, living being.

The title of the piece is what inspired the image. An elephant - threatening, defiant, tenacious and wise...his eyes a window to all living souls -  feel his strength!

The symbol in the background is of the African Symbol Tabono. It represents strength and perseverance. I surrounded the elephant in this symbol as protection."~Kelli Coulson

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• CALL TO ARTISTS • IVORY IS FOR ELEPHANTS •Artists interested raising awareness and creating works that honour, educate and support a global change in mentality and preservation of this majestic creature, are not alone.Illegal poaching continues despite the declining population, endangered status, and protection from conservation...yet is it only possibly to be controlled, or is there a powerful consciousness rising that can re-write old mindsets and ways? Are artists a catalyst in raising not only awareness, but inspiring a shift in consciousness and enlightenment? Consumer demand, mystical beliefs, and poverty have perpetuated this tragedy ... but we believe it to be possible, to bring hope not only to Elephants, but to our own species - that beyond our struggles and desires, we are capable of choosing to nurture the love, empathy, respect and appreciation within. Let us return to our creative and caring hearts - remarkable, strong, inspiring, and warm - to lighting the dark, corrupt and cold. The world is changing from within - We are ONE ❤ International Artists! Beginning January 15th 2013, any artists interested in art-activism focused on the survival of the Elephant, and contributing one work of art to build an online collective of prints for sale (profits supporting one or more conservation initiatives to be discussed) should send inquiry to: < sharlenawood@gmail.com >. Current artists in support of ‘IVORY IS FOR ELEPHANTS‘ collaboration are Kelli Coulson and Sharlena Wood

Remember Love

Charcoal on Watercolour Paper 10"x15"My first piece for 'Ivory is for Elephants'

• CALL TO ARTISTS • IVORY IS FOR ELEPHANTS •Artists interested raising awareness and creating works that honour, educate and support a global change in mentality and preservation of this majestic creature, are not alone. International Artists! Beginning January 15th 2013, any artists interested in art-activism focused on the survival of the Elephant, and contributing one work of art to build an online collective of prints for sale (profits supporting one or more conservation initiatives to be discussed) should send inquiry to: < sharlenawood@gmail.com >. Current artists in support of ‘IVORY IS FOR ELEPHANTS‘ collaboration are Kelli Coulson and Sharlena Wood

Bearlings

Thinking of cuddling up warm and cozy, and just hibernating for the rest of the Winter. XOMixed Media on Panel 12"x12" - $400