From Tiny Bushtits to the Ghost of the Forest: My Latest Watercolor Bird Series
I have completely lost all consistency when it comes to what birds I’m painting next. We’re flying COMPLETLY by the vibes these days on my journey to paint every bird in North America. The last five birds I’ve painted range from the chaotic energy of a warbler or the stoic presence of the largest owl. As always I have painted these birds in traditional, transparent watercolor paints. Each birds is painted to scale and with a huge effort to capture not only their visual details but also their personality.
If we haven’t met, I’m Hannah Maltry, a traditional, transparent watercolor artist based in Columbus, Ohio. I am: painting every bird in North America. Please enjoy the following highlight of the most recently painted darlings.
1. The Bushtit: Not just a silly name
The Bushtit is a tiny, social miracle. A subtle looking bird consisting of incredibly muted colors this painting relies heavily on the shine and interest my micha infused paints provide. My intensely delicate line work recreates that fluffy, "pom-pom" look they are known for.
2. The American Redstart: "The Butterfly of the Bird World"
After the muted tones of the Bushtit, the American Redstart was a vibrant explosion of energy. Often called "Candelita" (little torch), this warbler is defined by its striking black and vivid orange plumage.
3. The American Dipper: Mastering the Mist
The American Dipper is North America's only truly aquatic songbird. To capture its spirit, I utilized a cool-toned Payne’s Grey based palette to depict the spray dynamic “grey” bird that is the American Dipper.
4. The American Woodcock: Spring’s favorite dancer
Taking (at least my FYP anyway) Tiktok by storm this spring the American Woodcock is a bobbing wonder. Known for their perfect “meep” call and their wobbly dance capturing this birds personality was no small task. Electing to paint him on wood panel really helps his natural but saturated colors shine. Can you see the funny, unintentional detail this wood surface provided for this painting? I didn’t even notice it was there until I was finished painting this bird.
5. In Progress: The Great Gray Owl
Great Gray Owl painting by Hannah Maltry in progress
Finally, in my studio right now is the "Ghost of the North"—the Great Gray Owl. This is my largest piece in ages, spanning a 24x36” canvas. I am working hard to correctly capture the deep, soulful grays the Great Gray Owl is known for. Mastering this task is proving harder than usual given this owl’s incredible camouflage. I’m finding that the patterns not only hide this monster of a bird in plain sight, but also make my eyes go crossed trying to find their edges in order to paint him in my signature, minimal, geometric style.
Every bird in my North American collection is available for sale, helping you bring a piece of the wild into your own space.
I also offer hand-embellished, archival-quality fine art prints in incredibly limited numbers. These prints are produced to the highest standards, start to finish by the artist Hannah Maltry. They are printed on watercolor paper, hand embellished to match the originals as closely as possible. And each print created, signed, numbered and packaged completely by hand in my Columbus, Ohio studio. My process keeps the delicate nature of the wonderful world of birds in mind. As in every step of my art process and business practice I used as little plastic as possible.
See the Birds in Person
I would love to meet you and share these works in real life! I will be a vendor at Not Your Mama’s Craft Market in Dublin, Ohio, on Mother’s Day 2026. It’s the perfect opportunity to find a unique gift or a new piece just for you.
Which of these five species is your favorite? Whether you love the tiny backyard visitors or the majestic raptors, there is a story in every feather.