It was starting to get cold after a long, hot summer in 2020. I had been diagnosed with Covid in early November and by the time December was about to begin I was finally ready to pick up my paintbrush. At that time, the primary medium I used was acrylic paints and colored pencils. I was not yet familiar with watercolors and thought they were only for plain, washed out paintings.

I found that I loved watching this silly, upside down, nuthatch attach himself to the feeder just outside our window. It was the first time that I had really noticed that this bird was like no other. I was elated to read more about it and finally decided that I wanted to attempt to paint a happy little nuthatch.

I was pretty apprehensive, since I would typically paint from my imagination. This nuthatch was a turning point in my painting style as it was more realistic than anything I had painted lately.

Finding a pretty, softly lit window to set up my easel, I began to sketch the bird on a flat board canvas. Using color layering and a reference photo, I slowly brought this little bird to life with all the acrobatic tenacity that a nuthatch can muster.

It was finally starting to cool down after a wonderfully long, scorching, and humid summer in 2018. We had just moved into our new home, and I couldn’t wait to find my cozy corner to nestle in and paint through the winter. Seeking some creative inspiration, I discovered the pure delight of watching a delightful nuthatch clinging to the bird feeder just outside our window.

At that particular time, I was primarily working with acrylic paints. Watercolors were uncharted territory for me, I thought they would deliver only delicate and ethereal paintings devoid of the vibrancy that I revel in. Fast forward to 2023 and I can admit I was wrong with that assumption.

With the soft light streaming through a quiet corner window, I set up my easel and sketched the little bird onto a flat canvas board. Then, layer by layer, day by day using light applications of color and referring to a photo, I painstakingly brought the nuthatch to life, capturing its agile and spirited nature.

If you’re interested in owning a print of this painting, simply reach out to me through the contact form below. Together, we can discuss the perfect size and style that will suit your home, office, or make a thoughtful gift.

If you are interested in bonus content, a fun story about this Nuthatch, free prints and more detail about its creation, visit my Patreon page.