Bird Studies

Along with creating large, magical realist paintings with birds, I make small bird studies to explore the anatomy, feather structure, and character of these endlessly fascinating creatures. I began with the cranes of my big paintings, and have expanded to include the local birds I also love. More and more, I realize that just like each person, each bird has a unique character and personality that is expressed by the synergy of its large forms and tiny details. I appreciate they way that working small allows me to get to study and make friends with so many different birds, and they way this informs my big paintings.