Wednesday, September 24, 2014

The Bluebirds of Joy

 The Bluebirds of Joy
oil on paper 16 x 20 inch
SOLD

This painting came together with ease...the colors, the faces, the design, even the birds...and doesn't this make the artist happy?  Not all of them go so well.

 detail

 detail

 detail

The decision to make the birds blue came after my art instructor Brian Hinkle discussed how different background colors can really change the mood and feel of a painting.  He pointed out a smudge of blue that was in my already dark red background, suggesting that it would make the mood light and happy.  It was an ah-ha moment for me, not for the background...but for making the birds blue.

Did you know that bluebirds are a sign of joy and a good omen?   Thank you for pointing this out Julie!  After Julie told me this, the title came swiftly.

 detail

 detail

Up close, I always see things I want to change...like uneven eyes or perhaps a crooked nose.  However, there are other things that seem very right to me, so leaving it alone seems to be the lesser of two evils.  Reworking areas often can lead to disaster or lost loves.  I admit I do not paint fearlessly, but I am working on this.

detail

This piece was painted on Daler-Rowney Georgian oil paper.  It stays flat and feels great to paint on.  It will be mounted to a cradled hardboard which makes a very nice and inexpensive presentation and omits the need for a frame.

Have a beautiful rest of the week!

♥ Lisa

36 comments:

  1. This is wonderful, Lisa. Like a good friend's familiar face, uneven eyes and a less than
    perfect nose become loved and special. You've painted these three women into reality. The
    bluebirds landed in this reality-perfect. Don't change a thing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like that Patty..."like a good friend's familiar face"...so true, so true! I loved your comment, thank you! xo

      Delete
  2. Dear Lisa - this is just gorgeous. The blue birds do really make the feel of the painting joyful. I think without them the mood might read different. Just love it. Hope you are having a super day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Debbie! Originally the birds were going to be various in color and everything, but as soon as my instructor suggested other colors for the background and pointed out the blue as an example, I just KNEW that was the color for the birds. Thank you so much for your kind words.

      Delete
  3. Dear Lisa,

    There is something about your art that is so alluring, mystical, dreamy - it always speaks to me. I see stories in your art. This one is a novel. Truly beautiful. (I wouldn't change a thing!)

    Hugs, Jenny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jenny, it sure is nice to see you here! I love that you see stories...it makes me so glad and makes me want to paint more of them. Thank you Jenny! xo

      Delete
  4. Ah, the wonderful blue bird again. I think the bird is truly an angel. Seeing your work brings me so much joy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Carol...and your paintings always take me on vacation! :)

      Delete
  5. Oh Lisa - this is a very special piece. You have captured emotion in each of the faces. Love the colors and the composition and of course, the bluebirds are just perfect!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Judy, thank you! This painting originated from one of my sketches. The sketch was a lot more silly and playful. As I painted on the reds and purples in the background the piece defined itself as more serious. Amazing how that works, isn't it? I know you know.

      xoxo

      Delete
  6. Seriously Stunning! Love the whole feel of this one! Great Work, here Lisa!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you SO much Joan!! I really appreciate you!

      Delete
  7. This is fabulous! Will this be for sale?

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am in awe with your imagination soaring high Lisa, love these beautiful bird ladies!

    ReplyDelete
  9. BEAUTIFUL painting! The blue birds are singing out to me. I feel genuinely happy looking at this painting.
    I am loving the way you are softly blending areas of the faces. I first saw it in your drawings and now it is so natural in your paintings. Don't try for too perfect. It LOOKS correct and that is what it is all about. Lots of the old masters were off here and there, but if it looked right then they had the sense to know that is what mattered You made the right decision not to change it. You are waaaay ahead of my in that regard. I need you looking over my shoulder to swat me when I try to change something.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I could never swat you Julie.

      I sure do like your advice...if it looks correct leave it. That's good stuff and lets me off the hook! Thank you for always inspiring me and cheering me on. You're a gem!!

      I hope you have sunshine today!

      Delete
  10. There is a spiritual feel to this piece that I just love, a sense of sisters and of bonding.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you CrimsonLeaves...it had a spiritual feel as I painted it too, so I am happy you saw it also. Thank you so much for the comment!

      Delete
  11. SO beautiful, Lisa! Excellent title and the added birds are perfect .... You have such a unique way of painting...LOVE it!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Hilda. I LOVED seeing the painting of your daughters' shoes today! What a sweet story to go with!

      Delete
  12. These ladies are luminous, really! And I like the way their arms are inter crossed. A very nice composition!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Libby. In the original composition in my sketchbook, there were birds on heads also, but the minute these darker colors went down, it seemed too silly to paint it that way. I really appreciate your comment.

      Loved visiting your blog today. You are the queen of rock painting...it shows how much you love them.

      Delete
  13. Lisa this piece is incredible! The skin tones and the contours of the fabric and the way the colors and flow through the piece and find their way into every element... it's genius, my friend! I think this is my favorite piece of yours so far, and also my favorite piece out of all the artwork I've seen online this month!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katherine, that is such a compliment coming from such an accomplished artist as you. Thank you!

      I really enjoyed your blog today.

      Delete
  14. Oh Lisa, Lisa, Lisa! I love it! I can't decide which dress I like better. The middle one rocks but I love the colors in the dress on the right. Oh, and the funky touches to their hair is amazing! Very cool!

    Have a wonderful day,
    D~~~~

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh how I agree with you on the reworking, I have ruined so many works because I thought I could make them better :-( Do leave it as it is , so great and so creative, love the way you did the hair !

    ReplyDelete
  16. Lisa, this is such a special painting! I need some blue birds ;o) Thanks for sharing the happiness and joy ;o) Big Hugs and much love xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great piece!
    Little blue surprises and six of them! Nice number.

    ReplyDelete
  19. It's all been said by the others...this piece is beautiful!! The birds are the perfect touch.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Really love the design and texture of this...not to mention the delightful blue birds. It is true, there is a happiness thing going on in this--maybe because bluebirds are considered happy!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is such a special piece. I think you have invested s lot of love in this and it shows.

    ReplyDelete