Winter Cardinal

A bright red cardinal disrupts a monotone winter landscape, its vivid color creating a striking contrast against a white backdrop.

Mixed media drawing on paper.

11″x11″

Winter Cardinal-framed mockup oin room. A drawing of a red cardinal in flight, holding a cluster of berries in its mouth. The drawing is colored over with abstract elements of paint in various colors.

Winter Cardinal-A drawing of a red cardinal in flight, holding a cluster of berries in its mouth. The drawing is colored over with abstract elements of paint in various colors.

This piece is the first in a series where I experiment with drawing realistic subjects in colored pencil before layering them with bold, abstract marks in marker, paint, or ink. The result is a dynamic interplay between form and expression, structure and movement.

For the past few years, a resident cardinal pair has lived near my home, and their presence always lifts my spirits, especially on a wintery day. This artwork is a tribute to their cheerful aspect and the unexpected joy they bring to the season.