Inspiration | Maxine Wolodko Artwork

Mar 28

House Sparrow

House Sparrow 8″ x 8″

Obviously, I paint birds because I like them. I love to be able to identify the birds that I see, but other than how they look and sound, I don’t really know much. With each bird I paint, I have been reading a little about each one. I am really enjoying that part of the process. Here’s some bird trivia: House Sparrows always live near humans – often surviving on seeds, livestock feed and human food. You probably see them in your backyard all the time, but you won’t find them in the forest.

I have lots of bird prints up on Etsy. Take a look!

Mar 26

Steller’s Jay

Steller’s Jay 8″ x 8″

The first time I ever saw a Steller’s Jay was during a visit to BC, before moving here. There was a group of them in a picnic area where we stopped. I was fascinated by their beautiful colour, but nervous about their loud squawking and aggressive swooping. Obviously they were used to people sharing snacks with them. The ones I see around the city these day are much more polite.

Jan 30

Robin

Robin 8″ x 8″

While working on this painting, I thought that the grey background might be too dark and dull. But I like how it turned out. The grey makes the orange of the robin pop out. Every painting is an experiment.

For sale on Etsy.

Jan 22

Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee 8×8

Chickadees are one of the cutest, most cheerful birds around. And they always seem to be so curious and playful. Their little round bodies and happy songs are hard to resist. (Which is why I’ve painted another one, I guess).

Jan 17

House Finch

House Finch 8×8

I don’t see finches very often, so when I do, I feel lucky. As I sit here looking out at the winter rain pouring down, it is nice to think of a warm spring day when I might get to see one again.

For sale on Etsy.

Jan 6

Two or Three Crows

Three Crows 8″ x 8″and Two Crows 3″ x 3″.

A tiny painting can sometimes be a great study for something larger. I painted the 3″ painting with my usual series of tiny paintings for Christmas, then the larger one.

Nov 28

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Cardinal

Cardinal 8″ x 8″

Here’s something to brighten up our grey winter. And I finally remembered to take a photo of my work at the Corner Cup.

Nov 3

Spotted Towhee

Spotted Towhee 8″ x 8″ Available on Etsy.

I see lots of these guys in the park, usually foraging under the bushes. Easy to recognize with their beady orange eyes.

Oct 16

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Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee 8″ x 8″ Available on Etsy

Here come the birds. I am very lucky to live in a place where birds stay year-round. Lots of ideas and inspiration for little bird paintings to come.

Oct 10

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker 8″ x 8″ Available on Etsy.

When I look at the paintings I’ve completed over the past year or so, I notice a trend. I seem to be going back to the subject matter that I loved throughout my childhood and teens. Horses, pets, birds and wildlife. It hasn’t been intentional. They are fun, and one leads to the next until I have a series of animals.

It’s fun to compare the new to the old. This is a sketch from many years ago.

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