Original Down Comforter
24'x24" oil on Gallery Wrap canvas. Sold
Artist Note
This is a painting full of
painting love, frustration, then
back to love.
It is one of the hardest nests
I have ever painted
and I have done hundreds.
Did you know that is is the early egg laying
birds who use feathers to
keep the eggs from getting cold?
Mother Nature thought of everything!
Obviously, it was the influence for the title.
An friend's husband came up with it.
(Thank you Carlos.)
My first efforts were fast and painterly.
I liked it.
But it did not describe the nest and
all the careful work the birds
had put into it.
Out of all of that work I had to make some sense of order.
24"x 24" is large for me
and it has taken a long time to paint.
I did take my time and tried to capture
the different textures and subtle colors.
Not easy for an impressionist
who loves color so there are delightful
spots of color here and there.
The person who found the nest
after a huge wind storm gave it to me
but did not know what type of bird made it.
Neither do I, plus it is the first one
I have seen of its kind.
The young lady who bought it
had seen it in progress on a visit
to my studio and it "spoke to her heart."
When I emailed her a pic of the
finished painting...
she wanted it.
And that made me very happy....
going to a home where it will be loved.
Oh, Julie, what a wonderful post - so interesting to see that wonder of architectural avian creation and your superb interpretation of it! And its your turn to make me laugh with your title - feather comforter indeed! Bravo! Your buyer is very lucky to have such a gorgeous painting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for such nice words, Susan. Loved the steeplechase painting and the title too..
DeleteThe Linx is awesome. I admit to being scared of them so was pleased to see it looking so mellow.
Absolutely beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Joan, for taking the time to let me know while you are in the middle of a crisis. Sending prayers for continual excellent care for your husband.
DeleteNow Julie, you know I couldn't help but fall in love with this one. I can imagine that feathers are not easy to paint.
ReplyDeleteNothing was easy about this one David. but it was satisfying to overcome the hard parts. Loved your fungi color wheel - who knew.
DeleteHow exquisite this is, Julie. The fine detail and textures are really complex and beautifully-wrought. I enjoyed your remarks on the process and can easily imagine what a challenge this was -- even for someone as experienced at painting nests as you are! The result is certainly worth all your angst and the painting is truly a treasure!
ReplyDeleteComplex certainly is the perfect word, Helene.
DeleteI felt quite lost when it was finished as so much thought and time had gone into it. I expect you understand that feeling... Thsanks for all the info on your post about Cobra paints. My friend has been very satisfied thanks to you.
I love everything about birds aside from their instinctive need to 'lighten their load' every few minutes, so this one really grabbed me. The addition of more pattern really adds to the magic.
ReplyDeleteLOL about lighten their load. I recently was rewarded with a full head splat from walking under a parking lot light here in downtown Las Cruces. Disgusting! But like you I love everything else about the avian world.
DeleteYour new painting has a lovely mood and the two birds are the icing on the cake!
This is just a most gorgeous nest painting Julie! I can see why it took a long while to paint ... and the beautiful subtle hues are amazing. Someone who sees this will know the species of bird who makes these nests, I bet!
ReplyDeleteNope - there has been three suggestions but not one definite label. They all agree it is a fabulous collection of feathers...the real nest! Love your abstract work and it was a treat following your step-by-step pics on your blog.
DeleteThank you for looking at that "journey" painting ... but they are all journeys, really.
DeleteWonder if an Audubon person would know the maker of the nest?
What a stunning painting. I am in awe. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon. happy you like it.
DeleteGreat that you will be teaching in so many places.
Very beautiful and so interesting nest painting !!!
ReplyDeleteHow nice of you, thank you, Stelios. Your snow painting is delightful.
DeleteWonderful photos and an elegant painting, my friend. I'll bet this painting has lots of stories about itself and all who have lived there. These beautiful structures are a wonder to me, and at this time while the wildfires rage in Australia, it is significantly apropos. Your workmanship is stunning indeed. The textures and colors and the feather patterns say so much more than I could ever say.
ReplyDeleteSuch a thoughtful comment, dear Carol. The Australian fires are terrible and I can hardly relate to the number of animals they say have perished. Sad, sad, sad.
DeleteAre you painting or creating at all? Hope to see something pop up sometime.
so much texture and movement in a static subject :)
ReplyDelete24x24 is a nice big size for a painting :)
Hi Jennifer - yes, for me this is huge and I have another I am working on which is 30"x 40"
DeleteLove the fox you are working on.
It's lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debra. I like your peeking owl.
DeleteYou have extraordinary Julie, you can see the texture of the nest, the color very good. Mother Nature is very wise and teaches us new things every day.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
Greetings.
Thank you for such a lovely comment Jose. I was admiring your beautiful snow scene. Well done indeed!
DeleteJulie - it is a gorgeous painting. I just love it. No one would know that you struggled with it. Hope all is well with you dear one. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHa - every painting is a struggle at some point but this was more than usual but that makes it also more satisfying.
DeleteLove the word you chose - TRUST. I am going to use it too.
All is how it is supposed to be in my world. That is Trust.
I have always loved your paintings of nests, Julie.... this one is SO beautiful and unique. Nobody paints nests like you...love the colors and texture...absolutely perfect.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Hilda. I appreciate that you like it and took the time to let me know. Hope you enjoy a marvelous 2020. Looking forward to your next painting.
DeleteBrilliant!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashok and congratulations on your 1000th post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie :)
Delete