Winter Finch (male)

WINTER FINCH (male) 5 x 7 oil painting by Dawn B. Dwyer

When I first began to feed the birds, I had a male Finch show up during the colder weather.  I wondered who this new bird was and followed it around from tree branch to tree branch, trying to identify him.  I really fell in love with this little bird.

After weeks of brief visits at my house, I was able to identify him as an American Goldfinch.  Now, I only saw him by himself and when he stopped by, I considered him a special guest at my feeder.  But when spring came and I hung a large finch feeder, he brought a dozen other American Goldfinches to my house.  And he transformed into his brightly colored feathers.

One of the things I love about the American Goldfinch is their group spirit.  Finches seem to show up at our feeders with 12 of their closet friends and family.  They really are the most social birds in our yard.         Here is a video of the whole gang on the Finch Feeder:  https://youtu.be/C97I37vrmVM

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Winter Cardinal (female)

 

WINTER CARDINAL (female) 5 x 7 oil painting by Dawn B. Dwyer

I know that most of the art and photography which is created features the male Cardinal but I found the female to be so amazing in her own right.  The one that visits my yard is so confident and bold.  Her feathers are  gorgeous and her coloring is just stunning.  So that is why I decided to paint her first.

Be Right Back oil by Dawn B. Dwyer

“Be Right Back” 12 x 16 Oil by Dawn B. Dwyer (Giclees available)

I was so excited to work on this commissioned painting.  Not only did it represent something really special to the family but also for me.

One of the beauties of art, is that we may all look at the same painting but see different things.  I love that and I’d love to hear your story you see as you look at this painting too.

For me it showed the relationship we have with animals and how they are as much a part of our families as any other member.

These are among two, of the very special animals I paint.  They are known for their healing work that they do as therapy dogs.  Their demeanor is so calming, that to be in their presence is truly an honor.  I was just so amazed by them when we met.

Animals have emotions and feelings …  just as we do.  The thrill of going on vacation and experiencing new things like a trip to the beach is just as important to them as us.

I can feel their joy as they look out upon the water, “Aren’t we lucky?” as they wait for their human to Be Right Back.

This painting was featured on a segment on WCET TV that aired on the Arts Bridge Show.  Did you miss it?  If so here is a link to watch it online at

http://watch.cetconnect.org/video/2365427190/

Dawn’s segment starts at 6:25 mins.