"Kelp Forest Wonders" (oil on stretched canvas; 22" x 28")

click here to buy

The kelp forest is a forest, but not a forest of trees. It is a "forest" of seaweed called giant kelp. Giant kelp grows in cool coastal waters where sunlight can reach a rocky sea floor. From several images, I imagined the wonders of kelp forest, filled with life, including a sea lion, which almost looks like a mermaid. The bubbly sunlight filters down to the rock bed; giant kelp sways with the flow of ocean water; and colorful fish swim in groups. I want to swim with them.

"Chesapeake Bay Tranquility" (oil on stretched canvas; 11" x 14") sold

sold

I once saw a lone house on an inlet to the Chesapeake Bay. I imagined tundra swans flying over the house. In my mind it was the dusk with the mauve sky and the dark, choppy water.

"Cardinal on Maple" (oil on linen; 10" x 12") sold

"Cardinal on Maple"
sold

"Robin in the Evergreen Bough" (oil, 8" x 10")
sold

"Blue Jay at Bird Bath" (oil, 8" x 10")
sold

"Early Spring Robin" (oil, 8" x 10")
sold

"Cardinal in the Snow" (oil, 8" x 10")
sold

"Winter Bird" (oil, 8" x 12")
sold

"Duck Pond" (oil, 8" x 10")
sold

Last fall I decided to do some bird paintings.  To date, I have seven under my belt.  "Cardinal on Maple" is my latest attempt at bird paintings.  As you know, I am an impressionist painter, not a super realistic animal painter.  So if you are an avid bird watcher and I got some avian anatomies wrong, please bear with my errors. 

I am more of an opportunistic bird watcher, if there is such a thing. The other day I spotted a male cardinal perched on green shrubs outside of my laundry room. I grabbed a camera and began to click away. This bird made a terrific model, turning its head to show profile, then facing forward for the front view, and so on. This went on for a while until it decided to retire from a modeling career.  I didn't dare to open the window for better shots (one knows better than that when dealing with a wildlife).  After photoshopping the best shot, I came up with the picture below.  Passable, yes, but the environment in which the bird was sitting left much to be desired.  I did some Internet research and found a picture of a scrawny-looking cardinal on a lush maple tree.

My photo

Reference photo for the maple tree

I got to work and painted "Cardinal on Maple" with joyous rapidity.  My gratitude goes to the anonymous photographer and the cardinal who lives in and is fiercely protective of my property.

"Winter Bird" (oil on linen; 8" x 12") sold

sold

Red berries are heavily laden with snow.  One can feel that it is a cold gray day.  No matter.  The small black bird is intently and happily feeding.  I don't know why this painting induces a happy feeling in me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!