These little birds remind me of winter where I grew up in Minnesota.  I now live in Florida but the memories of these cute little birds and the clear, cold, blue skies still live within my heart. 

I like painting birds.  It might be kind of funny that I  like painting birds because my maiden name (and now I use it as my middle name) was Bird.  It was my nickname growing up and as you might imagine, I heard lots of jokes about birds. My dad used to call me "Tweety."  It makes me smile just thinking of him. 

For this painting I used Golden Open Acrylics.  I am starting to like them almost as much as oils.  They are easy to use and I love the open working time!

Hope you are having a good start to your new year.  I cannot believe it is already January 15 - mid January of 2017!  

Laura (Bird :) 

What joy to ring in a new year!  Here is my last painting of 2016 delivered just in time to be hung for Christmas for a sweet friend and collector who now owns three of my original pieces. Do you see the peacock in the painting on the bank on the left?  When I went to see the space where the painting was going to be hung, her young son was so excited because there was a peacock in their yard.  I ran out to snap some photos and decided to add him to the painting because I was so touched by the excitement of her son who dragged me around the yard with my camera for at least 45 minutes chasing this peacock. What joy!

Today I am planning my painting goals for 2017.   Not only do I want to serve others by painting commissions, I would like to paint more people, animals, and places I enjoy visiting!  I want to grow as an artist and expand my territory.  I want to paint everyday life and how people are engaged in it to capture the essence of 2017 in America. I want to reveal the heart of God in this everyday life and reveal more of His nature and character in a way people can relate to. 

If you have any ideas or things you'd like to see painted in this genre, please feel free to share. This will be a humbling challenge for the year. Any prayers would be greatly appreciated.  Meanwhile, know I pray for each and every one who reads this blog that your life may be touched and healed in every area of you life. 

Enjoy and be blessed,

Laura