Deanna Maree’s unique art project, “100 Days of Birds”, takes admirers on an enchanting journey through the avian world, blending vibrant creativity with nature’s beauty. Her use of gouache on wood log slices offers a refreshing medium that perfectly complements the subjects of her paintings. Each piece showcases the rich diversity and vivid personalities of bird species, making every day of the project a celebration of color and life. The artist’s choice of materials, particularly the natural texture of wood, echoes the harmonious connection between birds and their habitats. This connection is not only visual but also thematic, as it underscores the intrinsic bond between avian creatures and the trees they often call home.
Maree’s passion for her avian subjects is evident in every stroke, capturing not just their physical attributes, but their lively essence as well. Her dedication to the craft over the 100 days is a testament to her disciplined creativity and profound appreciation for the subjects she paints. The flexibility and forgiving nature of gouache allowed her to experiment and develop her techniques, ensuring each portrait was imbued with a sense of realism and whimsy. Viewers are left not only admiring the artistic skill but also gaining a greater appreciation for the avian world. Each piece invites them to pause and reflect on the beauty that can be found in the everyday wonders of nature and inspires a newfound admiration for the feathered creatures that often flutter at the edge of our perception.
I’ve always been drawn to birds and all that they represent, and I love painting birds because there is so much variety and variation in the bird world. I had fun bringing each bird to life on the timber, I enjoyed the tree/bird connection…and I found gouache to be very flexible and forgiving throughout the project.
Deanna Maree
More info: Website, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, (h/t: MMM).
