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"

 

Decisions, Revisions

College Seminar, Oil on Panel, 12"x24"

The top left example does not quite illustrate the intensity of the blue ground. It was more cobalt than it appears. I felt this leaned toward an illustrative aspect and moved to a Payne's Gray.  I've also decided to put one more apple in behind the glass bowl.  Still wondering if the genders should be separated and symmetrical as they are.  

What's Going On Here?

 

College, 12"x24" Oil on Panel

In my mind the Cardinals will be in an interior setting.  Background to be determined.  But, I'm considering a midtown blue toward the indigo.  The Cardinal to the left of the bowl will sit on a sprig of winterberry.  

Copley Society of Art, Small Works: Symphony

 

Four times a year the Copley Society of Art, of which I'm a member, calls for small works from the members.  These works can be no larger than 200 square inches and framed.  My work above, Cardinal with Paintbrush #2, will be shown there along with the below.  I'm pleased to have Cardinal featured on the CoSo website.  

Rose of Sharon, Oil on Panel, 10"x10"

A Few Birds Later

Enjoy. Holiday Shows, Member Shows, Juried Shows, Christmas Presents.

The Critic, 2022, Oil on Panel, 16"x12"

The Studio Assistant, 2022, Oil on Panel, 12"x12"

Female Blue Bird, 2022, Oil on Panel, 6"x6"

Brown Pelican, 2022, Oil on Panel, 4"x4"

Great Blue Heron, 2022, Oil on Panel, 4"x4"

Snowy Egret, 2022, Oil on Panel, 4"x4"

Three Part Harmony, 2022, Oil on Panel, 12"x24"