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I believe that art enriches and informs our lives everyday in many positive ways. Sharing those experiences, whether as an artist or as an appreciator, is part of the pleasure. I welcome your comments and hope you find something of value: a laugh, an insight, a new idea or just a happy moment. Enjoy art!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Mr. and Mrs.

I love cardinals!  Not as arrogant as the blue jay but full of color and personality.  I did not know that they got their name from the red robes worn by the Roman Catholic Cardinals; and I have heard that they are faithful to their mates (no proof of this).  Unlike some of our feathered friends the cardinals sing all year long and I like that too.  Another motivation for painting this winsome pair is that the logo for our little village is the red cardinal.  Oops, and I confess: I had to paint another pair because the first rendition went flying out to a new home....sold in a flash.  Hopefully I will have to launch a third version soon!  Purchase here...sorry, SOLD

This piece is 10 x 8, mixed media on board.  That means that on a cradeled piece of birch (framed with a painted edge about 3/4" deep) I put many layers of gesso sanding between each one.  As I got the surface closer and closer to glass I added some acrylic to the gesso and put several layers of mossy green on the surface.  I then draw the birds on with graphite and tease out a bit of color, go back in with additional graphite and voila!  it's done.  Wish it were that fast.  Hope you find some cardinals where ever you go today.

7 comments:

  1. I love this painting, so cheerful and energetic. Thanks for sharing your process with us.

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  2. Really nice, Cindy! Love the delicacy of the branches and transparent layers of color for the beautiful birds' backdrop.

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  3. I love Cardinals and the picture. The softness is very appealing. The subtle colors really work with my senses.

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  4. I appreciate the feedback Larraine and David...I'm not always so "subtle"...will keep that in mind!

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  5. Wonderful painting, Cindy! I really like the background; it sets the pair off so nicely.

    I seldom see cardinals out west, although I know they are here. I used to see them frequently in the winter back in CT, though, so I often associate them with winter. They are such cute little things, aren't they?

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  6. I love those two cardinals they just cheer me up!Thanks for sharing and congrats on it's sale!

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