I've been fascinated by exotic birds for a few years now, and it seems I'm always finding new ones. Here's one I stumbled across recently and, of course, I had to paint her! The Oropendola is part of the blackbird family and native to the forests of Central and South America. There are variations in color among them, but they all have a bright yellow tail. The face is what I'm most drawn to, however. How does Nature come up with these designs? Amazing.
This is a study of a tropical scene that I am playing around with, hoping to adapt it to a larger composition. Fish are fun to paint, so I'm betting I'll be painting more of them.
This portrait of Ella Fitzgerald is the last in a series of four portraits of Black American singers who served as early inspirations to me as a singer. Ella was often referred to as the Queen of Jazz for her supple, horn-like voice, impeccable diction, and awesome improvisational chops. Among many others, I just love her swinging version of one of my all-time favorites, "No Moon at All."
Another hollyhock painting, this one of a crimson hollyhock that I planted by the white fence in my front garden. Hollyhocks originated in China, and I will forever be grateful that they made their way here. Hollyhocks make me happy, and I just love this particular rich dark red against the various warm and cool greens of leaves and their shadows surrounding it, and all of that offset by the white fence behind.
This is a painting of my musical idol, a young Stevie Wonder. I love this man so much, not only for his incredible R&B pipes, staggering body of work and virtuosic mastery of songwriting, but for his activism and social conscience as well. You don't need eyes to see his genius, just a heart and an open mind.
This portrait of Nat King Cole is the second in a series I'm doing of Black American singers and musicians, and I've decided to expand the category to include Black artists of all stripes. This one was painted with a very limited palette of burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, ivory black, and white. The portrait of Billie Holiday was also done with a limited palette, the same as this with the addition of Indian yellow.
Nat King Cole is one of my all-time favorite singers, and his version of "Nature Boy" is, quite frankly, one for a time capsule; it is the definitive rendition of one of the most poignantly beautiful songs ever written, and NKC's voice lifts it to the heavens.
Changing gears here with a portrait of Billie Holiday. I have it in mind to do a series of portraits of Black American singers and musicians as a way to honor their colossal contributions to American music. I was once a singer myself, and Billie Holiday (aka "Lady Day," aka Eleanora Fagan) was a great inspiration in my younger days.
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."
This little study of a black tulip may get painted again as a larger version, but for now, and for the sake of sanity, I've decided to stick with little paintings that can be finished in a short session or two. It's simply too frustrating to not have at least 4 hours/day to delve into painting like I had a few years ago. Maybe one day I'll have the luxury of uninterrupted hours at the easel. I can dream, can't I?
This painting of a sunflower aptly expresses my mood lately. Having been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, I can now look forward to seeing friends and making plans for a trip later this year. Sunflowers are symbols of hope, and I am feeling more hopeful and optimistic than I have in quite some time.
This painting of a Galah cockatoo was started a few weeks ago, and then I was pulled away from my easel for a work project. By the time I returned to it, I was in quite a different frame of mind from when I started. For me, it is of prime importance to have a sense of continuity when painting, which is why I tend to prefer working alla prima (i.e., finishing a painting in one session). I don't have that luxury right now, so I have to work with things as they are. Still, I quite like this little guy. It's not his fault he got neglected in the process.
