I know it's early March and some parts of the country are still in the grips of winter, but here in the Northwest we are experiencing a very early spring. In the valley where I live birds are returning from their wintering grounds and are changing into their breeding plumage. It won't be long before they choose a mate, build nests and raise their young. In anticipation of the coming spring I chose to paint this baby robin freshly fledged from his nest, but still dependent on his parents to feed him.This painting was done from a photo I took last summer of this fledgling. He was hiding in a raspberry bush that I was watering and I almost didn't see him. In fact, Maggie was snuffling under the bush looking for fallen berries and SHE didn't see him either. I held my breath as she snuffled right under the vine he was sitting on and it rested on her head until I called her away so the little bird would be safe.
I chose to do this painting in a very small format. It is an ACEO which stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals or may also be considered an ATC - Artist Trading Card. The standard size for both must be trading card size which is 2 1/2" x 3 1/2". The painting is done in gouache on 300lb. watercolor paper and is for sale. The price is just $25.00 and would make a lovely little gift for a bird or nature lover or anyone who is just thinking of spring! He is currently available through my Etsy store. Just click on the link and he's yours!
