New Zealand Finch Painting

My mom had two New Zealand Finches named Ozzie and Matilda Moto. She has them for a number of years, and just this year, they passed away. I wanted to do a painting for her in memory of The Motos.
I outlined with a fine tip marker and then watered down acrylic paints to create a water color look.

Bird Silhouette Painting

I am always trying to understand "my style" in life. With music, I've given up trying because although I do have a couple artists I favor... the minute I find a genre that fits "my style", I am surprised with a completely different sounding song that I LOVE. Eclectic? I guess that is the only way to fully describe my music taste.
But I think I am more consistent in my Home decor style. And I've decided to name it "Natural Modern". I love natural fabrics (burlap, canvas, woods), and I love the nature aspect (birds, trees, leaves, flowers). But I also enjoy bold prints and color.

Anyways, this painting is one that I created a while ago, and took a picture of recently. I think it fits "my style" completely! And, "shadow birds" (as I call them) seem to be the "in" trend right now. Love it!



I painted the canvas cream, then did small brown horizontal strokes in brown and blended them in.
Next, I did a dappling technique around the edges of the canvas with the paint brush, and also used a paper towel when I wanted more muted tones. I used reds, yellows, browns, oranges, and even a little blue.
Then I painted a branch across the bottom of the canvas, then the two birds.

A lot of this painting was to taste. Playing with different techniques and using different brushes helped.
And remember, if you "mess up"... you can always dry it and paint over it! The beauty of canvas painting :)