"Blue Bird", oil on gessobord, 6x6"
Blue birds are good for your garden because they eat a variety of insects that could be harmful to growing plants. The males are brilliant blue with a warm brown underbelly, and the females less colorful other than their reddish necks. They love to perch on above-ground wires and telephone poles scouting out insects below.
I have been attempting to paint the bird series, as I've been gaining momentum, with as few brushstrokes as possible. This has helped sharpen my focus, simplifying my palette and streamline my brushstrokes. I don't think the paintings are taking less time due to focus, simplifying and streamlining, because even though I'm not physically painting as much, my brain is working harder :-)
