acrylic painting | Maxine Wolodko Artwork

May 16

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker 8″ x 8″

It has been a long time since my last post. I got stuck on a painting that I just didn’t like. I think there were too many colours and I couldn’t make it work. It sat on my easel for a couple of weeks, then I had to move on. This latest painting goes in the opposite direction – using very muted colour .

And here is the previous painting that I gave up on:

Apr 11

Blue Jay

Blue Jay 8″ x 8″

While painting this, I was watching this:

And I think that’s when they started winning!

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.

Mar 14

1 Comment

Barn Swallows

Barn Swallows 8″ x 8″

I hadn’t intended on making this so pink. It just happened. After looking at it for a week, I think I’m okay with it.

Feb 21

Mallard Duck

Mallard Duck 8″ x 8″

Painting a duck makes you realize how shiny they are. Tricky to capture.

Feb 15

3 Comments

Junco

Junco 8″ x 8″

I’m already seeing lots of these guys and it’s not even spring yet!

Here are my birds (and my tree) on display at Stock Home Design at 3060 West Broadway, Vancouver.

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.