Rufous hummingbird and Pacific rhododendron

I was inspired to paint this Rufous hummingbird after learning about their incredible 2,000 mile migration from Central Mexico to the Pacific Northwest and north into Alaska. I was amazed that a bird weighing just 3-4 grams could undertake such a journey — reflecting the sense of wonder I always feel when observing birds. I painted the Pacific rhododendron (the state flower of Washington) after a visit to the Washington Park Arboretum to study the bright pink blooms in early spring. I love the variety of bright colors in rhododendron flowers.

12 x 9in

Gouache and colored pencil on paper

Fromm 2024.