Avian Architecture - The Start, plus framing Info.

Mocking Bird Nest

24x18in  oil on canvas  SOLD

This nest was the one which started the series.
I adore this nest and it is still one of my favorites.
When I started I knew I wanted a contemporary presentation.
I had no idea it would turn into three years of exploring
different viewpoints and media.
I did the three paintings below using the same type
of background. I love the way the dark markings turned
out, and feel they added a richness without being fussy.

Artist Note.
I first made a textured layer of heavy gesso on the canvas
using a large palette knife. A transparent wash of color
went over it before adding the dark transparent marks.

I had several of my work sheets
hanging near the paintings.
Artists usually enjoy
reading these.






Next part is about framing the small paintings.

MY Quandary...
How to frame the small paintings for the show.
I spent a lot of time thinking how to make my regular
small paintings look significantly worth more than what
I sell them for on my blog. The gallery has to
make their commission which I heartily endorse so
I came up with a wonderful frame on which
I which received fabulous feedback.

Blurry I know, but you should be able to get the idea.
I usually paint on canvas panels so first of all I painted
the edges and then they were
glued to a suede backing with a beautiful and
perfect Italian molding. Simple and expensive looking.
and just right for the birds nests.
They were not cheap for sure, but value was easily perceived
because of the increased size and good quality.
I had ten in the show and four more were ordered.

I got the idea for gluing them on TOP of the suede
from doing it in my own little gallery.
I love to paint the small daily paintings to the edge
and hate how much is cut off with a frame
so this is what I often do.

Take a 6x6in
plein air frame

$11. on sale at Jerry's
YES
ONLY
$11.!!!!

Use a glue-gun to
attach the painting
panel
on FRONT of frame
With the edges painted
it looks really great.
Even better is an
8x8in canvas panel.
on top.
Trust me on this.

A friend brought in the nest I have shown above, last week.
It is an abandoned Finch nest made with various dryer lint.
It is a lovely little thing. You would think I would be fed up
of nests by now but I really enjoyed painting it. It is a keeper!

My main camera broke before the show so many of the images
are not really good, but you can see more of the show's paintings
HERE if you are interested.
Please excuse the website -  is not finished yet.
Not enough time...sigh.

Will have to show you the large disaster painting next. Oh Boy!