Birds

I find birds to be fascinating and beautiful, as I’m sure most of you do, also. In my art, I strive to capture the beauty, grace, peace, color, and other lovely characteristics of these wonderful creatures.

“The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees.” — Psalms 104:12

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I love when, during or after mowing the yard, the swallows swoop and dance around me. It makes me want to join them.

“She decided to free herself, dance into the wind, create a new language. And birds fluttered around her, writing ‘yes’ in the sky.” — Monique Duval

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When the sun hits a grackle at just the right angle, it is breathtaking: the sparkle of the greens and purples. When they strut, they are amusingly glamorous birds.

“The crow flew closer, as if to hear its praises.” — Emma Donoghue

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I believe macaws are some of the most wildly beautiful of birds. I have had a few encounters in a pet store. He was very easy going, until the last time I allowed him to benefit from my caresses. He bit me! I forgive him and still love macaws, but I go wide around them, now.

“It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.” — Aesop

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Our first rooster was a handsome Buff Orpington that we named Gerard, after a friend. When I painted him, I was in my Van Gogh mood.

“The more excited the rooster gets, the higher his voice goes. He’s got a little bit of a Barney Fife quality to him.” — Jeff Foxworthy

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I have a love/hate relationship with blue jays. I love their colors, their call, their flight. I hate their aggressive meanness. I think the love wins, though.

“I’m just a Connecticut country boy. The people I’ve known, the changes of season, the call of the blue jay – when I’m away, all of them haunt me.” — Gary Burghoff

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Owls fascinate and intimidate me. I always wonder what they are thinking and if they approve of me.

“Owl,” said Rabbit shortly, “you and I have brains. The others have fluff. If there is any thinking to be done in this Forest – and when I say thinking I mean thinking – you and I must do it.” — A. A. Milne

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