Cardinal Collage

8" x 10"

Painted and found paper collage on cradled wood panel

Moving on from chickadees, cardinals have been a joy to work on.  I had been hoarding favourite papers but was determined to actually use them.  Although I have several new ones to post, I returned to this from a previous post to add more branches as it seemed to need a little something more.

The Sky on His Back

8" x 10" Collage

The quote is from Henry David Thoreau - "The Bluebird carries the sky on his back"  Do you think I could borrow this quote for my bluejay?  Different kinds of birds but still with the beautiful blue.

I am enjoying the series of birds but my next one might be a different subject.  I'm acquiring papers

and techniques that I'd like to apply to other images.  As with the others, I used hand painted papers and magazine clippings.

Time now to go back and take a look at my approach since the first one (the chickadee).  There are

elements about the simpler way I started them that I like but at the same time some subject matter simply needs to be handled with more intensity.  This bluejay with the black stripes for example.

Please email me with inquiries.  I will eventually place on Etsy but would be happy to answer any

questions you may have.  Not entirely sure whether I will mount this to a wood panel and still have

it frameable or use a mat and put it under glass.

Cardinal Collage

I enjoy making textured and painted papers but don't seem to use them enough.  Having started this

bird series is the first time I am really using them in a way that justifies making more.  So all is good.

These are done on a card stock weight of paper but I'm thinking I may use the wood panels that I use

for the small daily paintings because the grain of the wood might be nice to use too.  I can see myself

adapting this newfound interest to the use of fabrics.  Something I've admired in art quilters but didn't think I'd get around to trying.  

Computer monitors vary quite a bit but for some reason the background green is more saturated than

my scan.  It's only when I bring it into this blog that is becomes a little too strong for my liking otherwise the original and the prints I'm making from it are a much nicer earthier green.

The original measures 8" x 10"