John James Audubon decided in 1820 at age 35 to paint pictures of every bird in North America. The world over experts agree that with his work he achieved "a masterpiece of both artistic and scientific merit". I bought his book "Birds of America" long ago because I like that his renderings of birds are often a little strange or even scary. Not your run-of-the-mill sweet songbirds.
I made the decision to use some of his images as a base for a couple of paintings and add my personal style to them (which often means let's give these birds human legs!)
Now that I look at the result it seems as I painted them under the influence of psychedelic drugs ( which of course didn't happen because 1) I am not that fun, 2) my only drug of choice is large amounts of sugar and 3) I moved to California way after the 60s were over).
Google tells me that in the best case psychedelics can make you experience "brighter colors, brilliant and intense sensory perceptions...visions of fantastically vivid images and a feeling of euphoria or bliss..." and it is a good description of what I am trying to achieve with my art. Take a look for yourself:
James's Fresh Water Marsh Hen:
Isabelle's Fresh Water Marsh Hen:
James's Great American Hen:
Isabelle's Great American Hen:
I LOVE what you did with yours! His paintings are lovely but yours are fantastic!xx
Posted by: Jess | Sunday, 14 April 2013 at 09:29 AM
I love to see where you get your inspiration!! but I have to agree with the above comment, I too, prefer yours!!! :)
Posted by: deborah | Sunday, 14 April 2013 at 11:20 AM
Thank you Jess and Deborah, you guys must be color lovers like me. Brown is not as much fun.
Posted by: Isabelle | Sunday, 14 April 2013 at 05:04 PM
Ditto for me! Immediately I resonated with yours!! They are exciting and beautiful - LOVE them!!!
:)
Posted by: Daureen | Sunday, 14 April 2013 at 05:30 PM
Daureen and Deb, I already know you have been traveling jet-setters your whole life and you love a nice adventure. But I guess you haven't been yet able to travel by bird (imagine that).
Posted by: Isabelle | Sunday, 14 April 2013 at 08:35 PM
Your paintings are very imaginative and magical. Beautiful work..
Posted by: Shelley Whiting | Sunday, 12 May 2013 at 10:21 AM
Shelley, thank you for the compliment. I sure have a beautiful time painting them.
Posted by: Isabelle | Sunday, 12 May 2013 at 08:49 PM
Really lovely :-) Glad to have discovered another whimsical kindred spirit. All the best to you!
Posted by: Jane Moore Houghton | Monday, 27 May 2013 at 05:02 AM
Its early in the morning in London and just looking at your beautiful paintings transports me to a magical world. I've been following your art for a long time and you just get better
Posted by: Shelley cassidy | Wednesday, 29 January 2014 at 12:46 AM