#header-inner { margin: auto; text-align: center; }

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Bird Is The Word

Fight or Flight


Fight or Flight (12 X 24 mixed media on canvas). I've been in a bird phase lately: doves, herons, hummingbirds. A friend of mine told me I might get to be known as "the bird lady," and that's fine with me. Usually, I don't set out to paint birds, but, often, in the process of layering and texturing, the image of a bird is revealed on my canvas, and I'm helpless to resist. I love using symbols in my work to express themes in a way that requires introspection - not only can the viewer interpret my thoughts and feelings, but he can then interpret the work in relation to his own reality. I often use birds as symbols of faith and hope but also as a symbol of humanity: learning to fly, leaving the nest, protecting our young.

I painted this bird with an attitude a few weeks ago for a Donna Van Gogh's Artists' Market. Van Gogh's is gallery in Candler Park that focuses on local artists and has some of the funkiest and most affordable art in Atlanta. Terri and Iris, the owners, are bird lovers themselves and actually rescued a gorgeous Scarlet Macaw several years ago. When I read the challenge at The Three Muses this week I immediately thought of my odd bird.

22 comments:

http://truutske.blogspot.com said...

Whow...this is really incredible.
Love this great painting odd bird creation.

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wonderful painting, looks really great.

johanna said...

your slim turquoise bird is wonderful! love your painting very much!

Willy said...

You made a wonderful piece, bird lady!

WrightStuff said...

He looks like he is about to admonish a much smaller feathered friend! Great piece as always :)

Junibears said...

So eyecatching! Love it! xx

Taluula said...

Kathy, he's gorgeous, eminently odd and beautifully composed in your painting and I would hang him on my wall anytime. Bravo my friend.

Kim Mailhot said...

Odd birds often the best birds, I think. Love this one.
Hugs !

Jenny said...

Wow Kathy, LOVE your painting... so awesome!!
Jenny

Elena said...

Do you get tired of my saying "I love this piece"? I just love your style and after your email realize you are as sweet as you 'sound' in your blog. Now to get off my 'bootay' and start finding my own creative voice. And yet I wish I were closer to you to look over your shoulder as you create. Great work as always.

Unknown said...

Hi Kathy!!! I love your blue bird!!! this painting is wonderful!!!

Janet Ghio said...

I love your bird--and the colors you use on your canvases. he definitely looks annoyed about something!!

indybev said...

He's PERFECT for our collection of odd birds this week, Kathy. Thank you for joining us. (Sorry about the Haiti auction endeavor, a classic biting off more than one can chew, and haven't we all had a turn at that? Your heart was in the right place, my dear).

Terri Kahrs said...

He's not odd, he's PERfectly wonderful!!!!! Now I've got that old song "The bird is the word" zipping through my mind! Hugs, Terri xoxoxo

Jester said...

A wonderful painting, Kathy. A beautiful odd bird!

Rosie said...

A wonderful painting. Great work of art

Lori Saul said...

A perfect odd bird with so much character - and style. Love this Kathy!

Ozstuff said...

How wonderful. Your bird is stunning, Kathy. Thanks so much for sharing it at the Three Muses Challenge this week.

Marit said...

I smiled a big smile when I saw your bird! I used to watch a "clay cartoon" every day with my son when he was little.. it was called "Pingu" - a pinguing made out of clay and there was no speach in the serie... you should see it! It was awesome, and your bird reminded me of the good times I had with Pingu and my son! Hope your days are sunny and bright dear one!

Marit said...

Found a little Pingu movie for you to watch... have fun!

peggy gatto said...

I love the WHOLE piece ...color,design,, reminds me of a poster and would be a fun piece to brighten any room ....made me smile!

Marnie Blum said...

This is a wonderful painting. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.