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I am an avid birdwatcher, at least right outside my studio! I have a feeder that takes photos of the birds who visit it, so I have acquired a wealth of close-up bird photos that inspire paintings, this one in particular. This pair of cardinals spend a great deal of time at my feeder; in fact, I think they believe themselves to be in charge of it. So, I decided to have fun with this portrait of my favorite cardinal pair.
I cut out a handmade stamp to create the vertical birdhouse pattern in the background. Then a red checked tablecloth seemed the appropriate touch for the couple in the foreground. Their posture, direct gaze at the viewer, and overlapping claws made me smile when I painted them. (I may have taken a few liberties there. ha) They definitely have an attitude on the canvas…and in real life too!
