Ravens

I haven't had free time to create new paintings lately. I had a bit of a studio, moved it and that really killed my creativity so I haven't settled into a new spot yet. Nothing seems to feel right, so creating any kind of art is a real miracle lately.

I didn't want this blog to sit neglected so I decided that I could inspire myself to paint by watching some birds but since it's too dark out to see real birds, I checked out videos on Youtube.

When we lived in the north, Ravens were noted for being able to get into any container, if they could smell food in it. Often, you would see bags or packages in the back of a truck, parked in a parking lot and the Ravens would be feasting. The colder the weather, the more Ravens you saw. If you did a study, you could probably tell the temperature by the number of Ravens spotted. I guess the colder it gets, the more desperate they are for food and willing to put up with humans.

My favorite Raven watching events are in the spring. They are courting each other and trying to impress but what an amazing ballet in the sky. They synchronize their flight perfectly, swooping and diving in sheer joy of the moment. I have always found it difficult to look away and no matter how pressing my responsibilities are I always had to watch until they were gone.
Needless to say, I was pleased when I found video with some of their flying on Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dV8cvqSQXk

Here's a video on their intelligence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8L4KNrPEs0

I will eventually do a painting of a Raven but really don't want to portray them in the dark sinister light they usually receive.
They are amazing birds that deserve a lot more respect.