Tanagers are some of the most colorful birds around. Like many colorful birds, this little fruit-eating bird lives in Central and South America. The color patterns vary wildly in this species, which is related to the cardinal. I would like to paint them all!
Matillija poppies always remind me of fried eggs, and I just love their papery white petals that are so big, they just flop wherever they please.
This 6" x 6" painting of a parrotlet is a life-size depiction of this cute little bird. Parrotlets are tiny! There is a special place in my heart for parrots in general. Years ago, I kept a red-lored Amazon parrot when I lived in New York and then Florida, but I later came to feel strongly that all birds should be free. In fact, I believe all wild animals should be free and not kept in cages or zoos.
Continuing with my current flower theme, here's a little painting of a flower that I wish was in my garden. I love all kinds of poppies. Alas, this is one I've never seen; it was painted from a photo. Apparently, this rare poppy is difficult to grow, but it can be found in gardens in the U.K.
Another recent addition to my garden has been a gorgeous deep violet cineraria, which I paired with lemony daffodils for this composition. You just can't get more complementary than that, can you? I do love the colors in this one.
This is one of my favourite flowers, and it is currently carpeting a section of my garden. I find this flower enchanting, and it is hearty, easy to grow, requires little watering, and is a prolific bloomer. I chose to paint this as if in the black of night because these pale pink flowers turn a neon pink as the sun sets, and I wanted to emphasize their very "pinkness."
