Red-bellied Woodpecker Painting, 2020

 

Red-bellied Woodpecker Painting, 2020, Oil on Panel, 10"x10"

Placing the birds on a paint brush screams "I'm a painting, not a real bird."  Otherwise, I'm not sure how I can explain this surrealism.  The brush symbolizes me, the artist.  n general, all birds symbolize freedom because they have the ability and the freedom to roam the earth and fly in the skies. But for me the bird is such an interesting creature with the ability to be expressive even with out the lips to smile or the fore head to frown. They offer great color, texture and form variety. 

Red-Breasted Woodpecker, Work in Progress

Red-bellied Woodpecker, Oil on Panel, 12"x12"

As 2020 comes to a close, and I spend all my time in the house, I'm happy to feed the birds and watch them.  These guys are delighted with the suet we put out even though they have to fight off the Blue Jays, notorious gangsters.  

Spring Maple

 

Spring Maple, 2020, Oil on Panel, 16"x24"

I've worked on this for weeks, tweaking here and there over the past week.  I'm still not completely happy with it.  Somehow it is missing that oomph.  I will submit it along with Spring Oak completed last year to the Copley Society Members' Show in January 2021.  They choose one work (or none). In this thematic juried show, the artists' work will reflect various new beginnings - from the annual transition of winter to spring, to new ways in which the global pandemic has altered how we approach and live our lives.

Spring Oak, 2019, Oil on Panel, 16"x24"

 

A Plethora of Paintings

Below are the paintings completed while my computer sat in the shop.  I will allow them to speak for themselves.

Baltimore Oriole with Oranges, 2020, Oil on Panel, 10"x10"

Hummingbird in Flight #2, 2020, Oil on Panel, 5"x5"

Flying Hummingbird #1, 2020, Oil on Panel, 5"x5"

South Fork Ouachita River, 2020, Oil on Panel, 10"x10"

A River I Could Float Away On, 2020, Oil on Panel, 12"x12"

Something for Our Kitchen,  2020, Oil on Panel, 6"x6"

 

Hydrangeas in Cobalt Vase #3, 2020

 

Hydrangea in Cobalt Vase, 2020, Oil on Panel, 10"x10"

I finished this work a few weeks ago.  I've been computerless, though, and unable to post.  I always love painting this vase and will never tire of the variations it offers in color.  

Hydrangea in Cobalt Vase #3, Work in Progress

 

Hydrangea in Cobalt Vase #3, 2020, Oil on Panel, 10"x10"

This photo represents 6 working sessions since the first posting.  There are still several sessions remaining.  Currently I'm considering if the sharp details in the vase take too much attention from the hydrangea. Also, I keep thinking Audrey Flack has invaded my abilities.  

Hydrangea in Cobalt Vase #3, Work in Progress

Hydrangea in Cobalt Vase #3, Oil on Panel, 10"x10"

This transparent cobalt colored vase was not intended to be a vase.  It was once a glass insulator which I think was used on electric poles.  It is just perfect for capturing light and reflections.  Once every few months as I tire of birds, I will return to flowers.  Often, that choice will narrow to hydrangeas. I love them placed in the cobalt vase.