Painting Birds

The Color of Birds

I often paint birds. Their colors are fun, especially with the way watercolors move on the page, but I also paint them in gouache and acrylics. I’ve never had a bird as a pet, but in many homes, I’ve awoken to the sound of them in the early morning. Even walking through Valencia in the mornings I love hearing them as they hide in tree branches. I feel like the birds and I are up before most Spaniards have rolled out of bed, and I’m reminded of my grandmother’s saying, “An early bird catches the worm.” Here’s a story about birds…

At Gary and my wedding in Kennebunkport, Maine, we were indoors in front of large window looking out over the Atlantic. Just as we kneeled to be blessed by the priest, the crowd gasped and murmured. I thought it was weird as being blessed, his hands on our heads. When all was done someone explained that a huge flock of geese took flight at the moment the blessing was made. I’ve imagined that scene and love watching geese in formation and have made sketches and small paintings of this big moment when geese take flight going home. It truly is a blessing to witness the beauty of nature every day.

Winter bird small watercolor painting with matte, available in Portfolio.

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