The College Seminar, 2023

 

College Seminar, 2023, Oil on Panel, 12"x24"

The Northern Cardinal has several nicknames for groups of them.  College is one such nomenclature.  I feel like the Cardinal sitting on the bowl is Professor.  It could even be the College Bowl.  Today in my yard I heard that familiar Cardinal song that indicates spring and mating.  Then, I witnessed a male gather a seed from the feeder, hop down to the deck railing and feed a female.  Touching.  

The College Seminar, In Progress

 

I've added a branch to the winterberry in order to account for the weight of the Cardinal.  Now I'm wondering if it would still topple and need something to weigh down the end of the branch.  A male Cardinal only weighs 1.5 to 1.7 ounces.  So.....  There are now feet in play, shadows to be refined and clean up to happen.  

The College Seminar, In Progress

The College Seminar, Oil on Panel, 12" x 24"

I've realized if the male was perched on the winterberry his weight would pull the branch down to the table.  Therefore, adjustments are to be made.  Stay tuned.  In other news, Three Part Harmony has been selected by the Copley Society for the Members juried Winter Harmony show.  (Yes, I am very literal). 

Three Part Harmony, Oil on Panel, 12"x24"