Number 28 - Cardinal

Cardinal, 10x8, Oil on Hardboard

I've always been fascinated by birds. I think it's something my mother gifted me with as she's always enjoyed watching birds and building bird feeders so that she can watch them all the time. One of her favorite birds is the cardinal. She also likes bluejays, robins, wrens, finches, and hummingbirds. But I decided this painting was going to be a cardinal.

I experimented with the background and environment surrounding the main subject in this one. I wanted to give a sense of 'planes' and distance. You'll notice that the closer twigs and branches are more clearly defined than the background branches, which are softer and bring out the cardinal more, making it pop. It turned out to be an effect that I like and will probably continue using in future paintings.

Thank you for stopping by and looking at the Cardinal. I hope you've enjoyed looking at it as much as I enjoyed painting it!

Number 29 - Well, Hello There!

Well Hello There, 10x8, Oil on Hardboard

I've really enjoyed painting the kittens and dogs, so I decided to broaden my horizons and try something new. Here is a beautiful Mute Swan taking a drink and seemingly reflecting on its reflection. I've been exploring water and water effects for a little while and really enjoyed painting this one with all the colors that popped out at me.

One thing that this painting reminded me of was that throughout the process of painting my first 100 paintings, I've been seeing something new each time I look at anything. It seems that in the process of painting I've unlocked the gift of observation. I don't just see what my mind is telling me is there, but a whole world more! I see colors in things that I've never noticed, the way light plays with EVERYTHING, and how something can look totally different depending on your perspective at any specific moment.

I wonder if this swan has seen its reflection before but just hasn't noticed it for what it is...

Thank you for stopping by and looking at 'Well, Hello There'.

Enjoy!!!

Number 30 - Kitten

Kitten, 8x6, Oil on Hardboard

I enjoyed painting the last kitten so much that I thought I'd take a shot at another! I really liked the coolish colors of this one - the blue and the whites and light colors work very well with each other and make everything come together.

I appreciate you stopping by and taking a look at the Kitten! Enjoy!

Number 31 - Paradise

Paradise, 8x10, Oil on Hardboard

Painted this one from a reference photo of our trip to the beautiful country of Jamaica. As I'm posting this, it's 23 degrees, windy, and there's a thin but dangerous layer of ice covering everything! Winter's back and I sure wish I was back in Jamaica!

Thanks for stopping by to look at Paradise!