birds no.1
october 2023
 
This particular artwork holds a special place in my heart because this was my first oil painting ever. This was also the time that I tried painting on a bigger canvas. I didn't use oil before because I thought it was tricky to play around with. I still tried though. After this birds painting, I just fell in love with oil painting because of the depth of the colors and how I could make things look closer or farther from the viewer.
 
I started with subtractive glaze painting method in this piece. It means that I had to apply a layer of paint and then remove some paint to create my underpainting. Oil paint often takes days, if not hours, to dry. Since I work in layers, I had to wait for the paint to dry before I apply the next layers. It was an experience where I learned to trust the process, that eventually things will look better. 
 
I wanted to call this painting 'love has wings', but I thought I would like to reserve that one for a painting that I might make in the future. When I was looking at this painting, I remember a conversation I had with an old professor from my university. I was interviewing her so I can write a feature article in our school newspaper about her and her work. I was a student journalist (writer) back then. She mentioned a phrase that never left my mind when she was describing her late husband, "he was the wind beneath my wings."
 
The parrots have their heads close to each other, as if they can't get enough of each other. The color red is bright and vibrant signifying a strong and loving emotion. The birds are like lovers who support each other's needs. They push each other to be better and do greater things. 
 
Details:
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 40x50 cm
Finish: Unframed
Edition Type: Original Artwork
Signed by the Artist: Yes
Certificate of Authenticity: Included upon request
 
Note:
Colors may vary slightly due to monitor or light settings.
For decorative use only. Keep away from direct sunlight or moisture.