I would like to think that everyone who lives life “with an attitude” is being true to their real self, while working their way into confidence. This little wren makes me think of how some of us show up to life with an attitude. We, or at least I am, acting out an attitude to cover up some fear. I have found that when I work through my fear or feelings of inadequacies, I get over the attitude. I then find that I am much more generous and loving.
This little wren is watching out for predators and making sure that he appears big and strong, His attitude is brave and life preserving…Well enough of my wren fantasy. I love to anthropomorphize animals. I can’t help myself. I took this wren series of pics on my iPhone several years back at Sue Bown’s Studio. The little wren was kind enough to allow me to come fairly close to him and he struck several poses for me to capture. It made me smile.
I am fascinated by the skill and talent of ornithological photographers. It is not easy to catch these precious little creatures in provocative poses. Three local photographers that I stand in awe of their work are Pat Jakobi, Paula Johnson and Cheryl Red Henry. If you haven’t seen their work, you are missing something.
I am continuing to work on my bird series. This particular study is on a very coarse cotton canvas that I taped to a board and gessoed. Since it is painted in oil, I will not put any metal gilt on it. The gilt works better when applied to a water-based paint. Mostly I use casein, gouache and or acrylic when I am wanting to add the metal gilt. I could put gilt on this oil, but suspect that it will slough off over time. Oil can be applied to acrylic or water based paint, but not the other way around. Oil is a bit of a snob and is not a good host for any other medium. After this painting dries I will trim it to fit a 6 x 6 x 2 panel; glue it to the panel, cover the back with brown finishing paper and add the little rubber feet on it—-so that it sits well on a shelf.
I am working on a 9 x 11 Cardinal painting as a commission for a friend. I am pleased with it and am in the process of preparing it for the gilt. My next project is to do a 30 x 30 mixed medium of Momma and Poppa Cardinal. That should be fun. I will keep you posted.
Hope that you stay well and full of life. Let me hear from you. Susan
www.tylerstudio.org. tylerstudio1201@gmail.com. 409-7718371
