Finishing this painting on August 24 was a milestone, signifying a year's passing since my mom passed away last August. There is not a day ot hour that goes by that I think about the love of my parents, no different than this wolf cares for it's offspring, the only big difference is he has 4 legs, to help catch his daily bread, and we have 2 legs, sometimes barely able to move. We both require ample amounts of high protein from meats to grow and stay strong and live our years in relatively sound health. NOw the wolf is on the endangered species list from the federal mandate, as people stop, pause, and start to gather their wits about themselves, and think more in new ways about this animals future. Usually things that people tend to dislike or misunderstand, or even to fear, sometimes generates action and outcomes that warrants further thinking, and using the gun to solve what does not need to be solved is no answer either. When people misunderstand other people or Nations and wars break out that is not turning the left cheek, so when you see or hear others actions that suggest and eye for an eye, that is not the lesson our Lord has taught all of us, it is to prepare a way, to love one another and to invite our enemies to the dinner table. Surprising things often happen when we do for others what we would like them to do for us, this sums up the law. Like many people who are misrepresented and pushed away, the gray wolf will survive too, and peaceful harmony will prevail. Thank God for the peacemakers, and we thank our Lord for his lessons, moving us closer to the day of his return. 

Jim Springett-artist 

In today's blog,this loon was so beautiful swimming near the lilly pads. We are blessed in NW WI, to see many pairs and young loons, their call is so wild and unique, it can be dsitinguished above other bird calls.  WE continue to marvel and enjoy this very wonderful bird, and as a painting challenge they are very difficult with their very light and dark colors, but the contrast is, unique with a vivid reflection. I hope you enjoy, and can be purchased directly off Fine Art Studio On Line, or is currently on ebay at Jim Springett.

In the early summer months, usually in June we see the American bittern, a very shy and secretative bird of the marshlands, with it's head pointed high, and when near the grasses looks just like marsh grass. In this beautiful portrait this young male is using his white stripe underneath his neck and moves his neck slightly, and this attracts the small minnows to come to check out the white movement and then the bittern catches it's prey. This painting is an original oil painting on a 9" x 12" stretched canvas and is varnished ready for the frame of your choice. Enclosed is a letter of authenticity, signed by me, Jim Springett. I ship globally using the USPS. Check out ebay, in subject box type Jim Springett and my paintings will be lsited, have a great day.

Jim Springett-Artist

Last weekend we held our Gandy Dancer Days Celebration in Webster,WI and for the most part things went well, weather took a break and the evening singing groups did not get rained out. Saturday, I brought my painting gear and set up on main proper, and one of the most beautiful birds I could think about painting was the bald eagle, so I sketched on a 14" x 11"  canvas of a bald eagle sitting on the top of a white birch tree. Many well wishers and those curious stoped to say hi, and ask about my bald eagle painting, thank you for the interest, and as a part of the weekend's celebration, upon finishing this painting, I am gifting to our Webster Library committee, who is working on the new library scheduled to open next May 2011. Hopefully other area artists will learn about the libraries needs for beautiful local art work. We are a blessed community, thank you.

Jim Springett-artist

Called, "high on a tree top"

Even on a lazy hot summer day, living in Burnett county is full of wondeful wildlife, near our home off North Bass Lake Road, a small pond has been the happy hunting ground for this awesome blue heron. She continues to come and hunt small fish and frogs throughout the day, and so I call this painting " an afternoon's delight." 

Jim Springett-artist

Jimmy Springet-artist

The beauty of Crex Meadows is the wonderful array of different wildflowers starting from eary April with paskque flowers to the blazing star in August. Marge and I, on this trip, were blessed with these beautiful fireweed wildflowers, and this original painting is on www.ebay.com type Jim Springett and the painting will be listed. Enjoy whatever flowers you have in your area, and if you are near Grantsburg,WI come to see the beautiful wildflowers in Crex Meadows, follow the geese trail into the refuge. The sandhill and trumpeter swan migration is approaching in late September, mark your calendars and come see this magnificent event. 

Jimmy Springett-Artist

In October, the sandhill cranes migrate to Crex Meadows in Grantsburg,WI preparing their young for the long journey to New Mexico, usually about mid November. On this morning, just before sunrise these two sandhills were among thousands off Main Dyke Road feeding in the shallows. By 0900 AM in the morning most of these sandhills fly out of the refuge feeding in local farm fields, and later in the day between 330-630PM return.

Now, in early August the young sandhills are getting more mature, and in September they will learn to fly, and more sandhills with their young, from points further North, from Canada, will migrate to Crex to join the group making ready to go south. If you live in this area or near Crex or can travel, this is an unusual sight each fall, come and watch this amazing group of birds gather in preparation for their long journey. In about 90 days they will be migrating. Mark your calendars and come see this great bird sight. The trumpeter swans gather here too, and make for some special photography.

Jim Springett-wildlife painter

Our countries National bird, the bald eagle, sitting on top of a broken white birch, she is watching above a road kill and after having just chased off 5 crows is now waiting for me to leave so she can feed. You can see the look of ire on her face. We don't usually think bald eagles are scavangers but they are, and in the spring when the ice goes out the frozen fish come up and they feed off them. Nothing goes to waste as nature cleans house.

This painting is a watercolor, painted on the new watercolor surface called Aquabord made by Ampersand. This is a unique surface for watercolors and can help create beautiful paintings with vibrant colors, soft edges, hard edges, and paint can be lifted by using water on your brush. If you are painting watercolors, whether in a traditional method or like this painting with greater details this might be a medium to try. Last year for the 2009 Federal and Wisconsin Duck Stamp Competitions, I used this new material and I am planning to work for the coming year on the ducks for the 2011 duck stamp competitions. Enjoy your day, and if painting, keep the spirit alive and well and share your story. Peace be yours.

Jimmy Springett- wildlife painter