Floral Fantasy

Floral Fantasy

12 x 16 Oil

©2014 Deb Kirkeeide

Something a little different than my usual subjects.

Over the years these recurring visions combining women and nature keep showing up in my sketches. As of yet I've not quite figured out my approach to them. What I see in my mind's eye is not what lands on the canvas and because painting figurative is not in my comfort zone it takes me forever to get something I'm somewhat happy with. Consequently I spend a lot of time painting, wiping and repainting! But the only way to get comfortable is to keep pushing and trying new techniques and approaches. As frustrated as I get and think I should paint some other things in between I find I am obsessed  with trying to get these to canvas. Evidently these ladies need to be revealed.

So, this is a start. I'm obsessed lately with over exaggerated nature elements and big fantastical hair of various hues.  She may turn up again as I work out different techniques.

Henny Penny - Hen painting

Henny Penny

8x8x1.5 oil on cradled hardboard

SOLD

For lack of a better title, all that comes to mind is Henny Penny. Maybe Turkey Lurkey will join her some day. Come to think of it, I did have a wild urban turkey pass through my yard not long ago.

Henny is not a bird in my backyard but if I were so inclined she might be. I love the idea of fresh eggs and small urban "farms." but I have concluded that I am not cut out for that sort of commitment.

So I will advocate and cheer on all those who do!

Goldfinch - Birds in the Backyard Series - original oil painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Goldfinch

6x6 Oil on Cradleboard

©2014 Deb Kirkeeide

Another visitor from the backyard.

My Little Chickadee - Birds in the Backyard Series - original oil painitng by Deb Kirkeeide

My Little Chickadee  

Oil on wood  6x6  

©2014 Deb Kirkeeide

It's been a long time comin'.....

that Crosby Stills and Nash song is playing in my head.

Painting and inspiration has been pretty scarce this year but I can feel it starting to bubble up to the surface and I am feeling inspired and excited to paint again! 

Now to shake the dust off those brushes and work the kinks out - it always seems to feel a bit daunting after a long time away.

Little Finch - Birds in the Backyard Series - Purple Finch painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Little Finch

6 x 6 x 1.5  Oil on wood

©2014 Deb Kirkeeide

A purple finch. Though to me, their coloring leans more to red. But whatever their color I love when they show up at the feeder.

Brilliant Red - Birds in the Backyard Series - Cardinal Painting by Deb Kirkeeide

"Brilliant Red"

8x8x1.5 Oil on Wood
SOLD
 

©2014 Deb Kirkeeide

Another in this bird series, which I've decided to call "Birds in the Backyard" All birds I've observed at the feeders that are outside my studio windows. I think I could do a whole series on critters as well as I seem to have a multitude of those as well. Especially raccoons.

I love the cardinals - always such a bright spot of color in the day!

Lovey Dovey - Birds in the Backyard Series - Mourning Dove painting

"Lovey Dovey"

8x8x1.5 Oil on wood

©2014 Deb Kirkeeide

A friend of mine, who lives in England, recently talked of the warmer weather there and asked if we  still had snow. I laughed. Hysterically.

Like much of the nation we seem to be stuck in the never ending winter. C'mon! It's March!
Spring is just a little more than 2 weeks away and here in MN we are still being hostage by sub zero temps, ice coated roads and 4ft thick ice on the northern lakes! I'm beginning to see the merits in hibernation.

Much to my surprise, the last few mornings I have heard birds singing! Which gives me hope that the weather will shift.

Having been away a bit from painting, I decided to "warm up" with some simpler small paintings of birds. to get back in the creative flow. (No surprise there, eh?) I also have been exploring some ideas for a slightly new direction that I'm eager to start in on. All in good time.

These little bird paintings are painted on cradled wood boards. They have painted sides and are ready to hang as is or would look nice in a floater frame.