It seems this time of year that we spend much of our lives in the dark; when I am out, it is usually with Theodore and often Jon as well so, again, there is little opportunity to watch the birds. Yet they are here and, as always, make me think of my mother, who dearly loved them - especially in the deep winter - and who fed them for the privilege. They brightened her January self, as they do mine.
Whenever possible I try to catch them with my long lens at the window, although I have to run to Jon’s study to get a clear shot. And so I have been painting little birds, in honour of my mother and also as a way to keep painting throughout the busy Christmas season, when starting a large canvas is an impossible dream.
Last week this chickadee and purple finch found homes on tiny 6 x 6 gallery panels. The chickadee’s breast is, I realized, a warm grey which shades almost to black on his tummy. The purple finch shot was chosen because of his comical stance like a mini-gunslinger; I hadn’t realized how splayed his little feet must be to support his body. The dappling on his tummy also enchanted me so I worked wet in wet first to blend the spots, and then reglazed with alizarin when he was dry. Apologies to both if they are girls.
Every season brings its special delights. Happy New Year.
Whenever possible I try to catch them with my long lens at the window, although I have to run to Jon’s study to get a clear shot. And so I have been painting little birds, in honour of my mother and also as a way to keep painting throughout the busy Christmas season, when starting a large canvas is an impossible dream.
Last week this chickadee and purple finch found homes on tiny 6 x 6 gallery panels. The chickadee’s breast is, I realized, a warm grey which shades almost to black on his tummy. The purple finch shot was chosen because of his comical stance like a mini-gunslinger; I hadn’t realized how splayed his little feet must be to support his body. The dappling on his tummy also enchanted me so I worked wet in wet first to blend the spots, and then reglazed with alizarin when he was dry. Apologies to both if they are girls.
Every season brings its special delights. Happy New Year.
 "Chickadee-dee-dee" oil on panel 6 x 6 |  "You talking to ME?" oil on panel 6 x 6 |
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