Wild Man - SOLD

I sometimes feel compelled to paint.  I have been studying about color theory so I am experimenting and creating a lot of items using color schemes that I would have never used.  With this painting I also tried to use limited strokes and no going back over strokes.  It is easy to get caught in doing that and mixing some great mud on your paintings.  

Heavenly Messengers - SOLD

It is said that cardinals symbolize hope, joy, health, rejuvenation and celebration. There are also those who believe that when a cardinal appears then an angel is near. The male is the most colorful one of the couple. Both male and female sing all year round. It is through a song that females sing from their nest that informs the male when to bring food. The pair shares some melodic phrases but the female has a more elaborate song, which is unusual in singing birds. The melody is pleasant and it resembles a whistle, but sometimes they make more mechanical “clinks”. As cardinals do not seem to need a lot of sleep, you may hear them singing in the morning well before sunrise.  Cardinals are good parents. The male cardinal shares in the duties of parenthood with his mate, feeding and caring for the mother during and after incubation. His fatherly instincts direct him to protect and care for the mother and babies until they are safely out of the nest. Young cardinals frequently follow their parents on the ground for several days after leaving the nest. They tend to remain with their parents until they are able to find food on their own. 


It is interesting to note that while the male is caring for his family his bright red color will change to a duller shade of brown and his appearance will be more like that of his female counterpart. This transformation of color occurs as a camouflage helping him to fulfill his duties as a dedicated parent. http://www.thecardinalexperience.com

Northern cardinals appear to have a longer-lasting marriage than most songbirds. During winter, the two are not very nice to each other, but come spring, the male’s fancy takes a new direction. Instead of chasing the female away from the bird feeder, as he did all winter, he offers her a sunflower seed and the courtship starts again. Whether they are the same male and female as last spring, we can’t be sure, but most of us would like to think so. After all, it’s nice to have the ending, “and they lived happily ever after.”

http://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birding-basics/birds-mate-life

The reference for these two again came from Rodney Campbell.  

This is an 8" x 10" on stretched linen.  $100 + $5 shipping...email me if interested in giving this couple a home.  paintingbythelake@gmail.com

Red - SOLD

I a I have really enjoying having time off to spend time  painting.   I lose myself in the process and find myself surprised so many times.  For instance, when a painting looks "simple" it is usually harder.  Trying to tell a story without overdoing it is always the goal.  Dianne Whitelaw, a wonderful teacher I studied with this fall told our class that  "the camera records - the eyes select".  The artist wants to give enough information that the observer can complete the message of the painting without the artist giving every little detail. 

Day Dreaming - SOLD

I have been painting birds this week from some photos provided by some wonderful photographers.  The reference photo for this redbird came from Rodney Campbell.  I love cardinals and have a wonderful friend who says that they are reminders that God is near.  

Undaunted - SOLD

This little cardinal is undaunted by the snow falling.  I was in Chicago this weekend and wished I had his determination.  I am a southern girl at heart and love being in the sunshine. 

Red Bird, Red Bird - SOLD

I am constantly trying new things.  I did not want to paint this little red bird simply so I waited on him to tell me what to do and he came through.  I like the colors in the background.  I hope you do.....let me know.