Brande Arno Art

5 x 7 inches, Oil on Gessoboard - $60.  Etsy Shop It seems that some birds would rather glean birdseed from the ground than perch on the feeder.  And as in the example of this cardinal, get snow on their beaks by doing so.  Maybe I should mind my own business.

"Buffalo Cardinal" 5 x 5 inches, Oil on Gessoboard $ 55.   Buy on Etsy This painting is the second of my 2014 Christmas Cardinal series.  Western NY (Buffalo area) got slammed and I mean slammed with a major snow storm.  My heart is broken as about 13 people are reported to have died from this storm.  Sadly, more could be discovered as five feet of snow in less than one day shuts down roads and leaves those drivers stranded. Yesterday, where I live (Rochester area of NY) a few inches of snow fell.  For about an hour though, it was coming down thickly and I thought about complaining.  Because of my addiction to watching the birds at my feeder, I've seen them endure harsh winter weather with determination and grace. They are an inspiration to me, so instead of voicing my complaint, I gratefully started supper.  

"2014 Christmas Cardinal No. 1" 4 x 4 inches, Oil on Gessoboard Sold, Thank you It's snowing outside and my woods have been transformed into a winter wonderland.  Normally first snow results with me gazing out the window with wonderment and awe. This year, I'm reacting in fear with shock and awe. See, I haven't fully recovered from the winter of 2013 -2014.  That winter was RUDE.  That winter was MEAN.  That winter was a BULLY.  Wait a minute!  I haven't fully re-absorbed all that stress hormone, cortisol...I need more time. So, even though I've filed a complete and detailed complaint, it's still snowing.  A better use of my time would be to paint a Christmas Cardinal. Just like there's more snow in my future, so will it go for my Christmas Cardinal Paintings.  

Samantha 6 x 6 inches, oil on Gessoboard Collection of the Artist A bird flew high, fast and hit one of my two large studio windows.  It was such a horrible noise.  While I was running down my stairs to go outside and check, I was hoping against hope that the bird would be just stunned, but she broke her neck and passed very quickly.    Seeing this bird on the ground and knowing how she died, I was in shock.  A flashing thought that Cardinals mate for life brought my heart down even more.  Then the artist in me couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was.  I studied her feathers, her eyes and decided I would feel better if I made a painting of her.  She wasn't given a name in life, but I gave her the name Samantha. The pose is from a photographic source. I chose this pose because of the gesture, almost like the bird is asking why are you sad?  Samantha's unique coloring is what I wanted to capture and I'm thankful that I hav...