My Bird Painting Video - and..."How you can make your own videos of your artwork" by Barbara Rudolph

Have you ever heard of "Animoto?"  It is a fun way to share your photographs.  I had fun making a little video of some of my favorite "bird paintings."  It is a great way to show a collection of artwork too, so I am sharing the link to "Animoto" and this is what I came up with of my own "oil paintings."

Click on "The Bird Paintings"link here to watch and enjoy: (Be sure and click on the higher resolution option and full screen too so you can see the paintings clearer)


The Bird Paintings


Barbara Rudolph
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visit Animoto:
Animoto

Gambel's Quail Painting by Barbara Rudolph

"The Quails"

This is a new oil painting of a family of "Gambel Quail".  It was a commission from my last art show.  We have lots of these "birds" in the desert southwest.  I often get the "quail" in my backyard and they are fun to watch.   The male "Gambel quail" will always be close by standing guard over the family.

The "Gambel's quail are found almost exclusively in the southwestern United States, mainly in Arizona.  Their range extends into Mexico and east to parts of Texas, west to California and a small part of southern Utah, Nevada and Colorado.

This oil painting is 12 x 9" 

Here is a little information about the "Gambel's quail"  from the desert museum:

Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) have a chunky round body with a feather plume on their head. Males have a dark and thick plume, a black face, neck and also a black patch on the breast. Females have more dull and thin feather plumes and lack the black markings. Mature males have much more striking plumage than females.

Adaptations Gambel's quail have the ability to select green foods in sufficient quantity to provide nutrition, but also to obtain the moisture they need. The ability to adapt its food choices to seasonal changes allow it to survive in the arid desert environment.

Habitat Gambel's Quail live in warm deserts with brushy and thorny vegetation. These birds also survive well in cultivated communities and prefer mesquite lined river valleys and drainage's near these lands. Desert mountain foothills, mesquite springs, plains with diverse vegetation and any area of the desert receiving slightly more rainfall than surrounding parts, are all home to good populations of Gambel's quail.

Barbara Rudolph
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"Tulip Party" - Birds and Botanical Art - Oil Painting by Barbara Rudolph

"The Tulip Party"

I love to paint "birds" and this new oil painting features two "scarlet tanagers" sitting in some bright yellow "parrot tulips."  I painted it for my recent art show and it is 60" x 24" on gallery wrapped canvas.  You can see a few more images of it on my personal blog or website.  It is available for purchase.

Barbara Rudolph

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Hummingbird on Violin oil painting "The Recital"

"The Recital"

This little oil painting has a little "hummingbird" sitting on a "violin."  I took the photograph of the "hummingbird" outside my window not long ago.  I wanted to paint a very small painting of just the center of a violin, and this little bird was just the right fit.  I painted it during my last art show and it happened to sell on my last day of the show.  It was a fun painting.  I used a "canvas panel" instead of canvas. I decided that I like to paint on canvas instead.  The primed panels (boards) absorb all of the oil paint so fast that it takes quite a bit more layers of paint to achieve the look I want.  One good thing about the canvas panels is that you can achieve very fine detail.

Barbara Rudolph
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"Sparrow" oil painting by Barbara Rudolph

"Sparrow"

This little "sparrow" oil painting is going to be part of a triptych of small "sparrows".  This is the first in a set of three.  I painted it on a chunky gallery wrapped canvas size 6 x 6".  I photographed the little "bird" outside my kitchen window.   They like to come and eat at the feeder right up until dark, then they disappear again until morning.   I painted it on the dark background, which I often do to bring the focus on the little "bird."   I will post the other two once I finish them.  The set will be available at my next "Celebration of Fine Art" show, which opens in January.

Barbara Rudolph
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"His Eye Is On The Sparrow"

This is a little oil painting on canvas I just finished.  It is simple and and features a "common sparrow".   I have been interested in painting "sparrows" lately, enjoying them and watching them.  The "sparrow" is the most widespread wild bird in the world.  Although it is considered common and generic, I find them fascinating.

Even in the Bible, God cares for the simplest forms of life, "His eye is on the sparrow".  A lone sparrow was a symbol of deep loneliness.  "We" (the human species) should understand the lesson in that - even the weak and the poor should be considered just as significant.

Emily Dickinson wrote:

"A SPARROW TOOK A SLICE OF TWIG" Emily Dickinson c. 1872 ======================================== A Sparrow took a Slice of Twig And thought it very nice I think, because his empty Plate Was handed Nature twice-- Invigorated, waded In all the deepest Sky Until his little Figure Was forfeited away--

I am attracted to painting things in black and white lately with a lot of contrast and little color.  I think it helps to focus on the subject, or the message of the painting.  I struggled with the idea of doing this one simply in black and white, but then decided to add some subtle colors in my "sparrow."  It will be for sale at my next show at the "Celebration of Fine Art" in Scottsdale, Arizona, which will open in mid January.  I plan on having more "sparrow paintings" along with all of my other "birds in still life" series.

Barbara Rudolph - Arizona
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Miniature Bird Oil Paintings - Barbara Rudolph

The Alphabet Mini Painting Challenge Continued... 

I haven't had a chance to post some of my new little "bird oil paintings" from the "Alphabet Mini's Painting Challenge," so I put a grouping of them here.  The artists that are participating have each been posting them on Facebook every day.  It is fun to see what the other painters and sculptors are doing.     I have actually fallen two days behind now, but hope to catch up soon.  I will frame them up and some of them up will be for sale on my website or the next "Celebration of Fine Art" show, or at "The Hummingbird House" in Sedona.  

A few of the little "hummingbird" paintings I am bringing up to Sedona, Arizona for the "Hummingbird Festival" which is August 3-5th.  I will have some for sale at the "Hummingbird House" gift shops.

Here is also a link to the "Sedona Hummingbird Festival":
Sedona Hummingbird Festival

If you are in the area, be sure and visit the "Hummingbird House" at one or both of their locations at:

• The Historic Hart Store, 100 Brewer Road  928-282-0705
• The Hyatt Shops at Pinion Point, Uptown Sedona  928-282-8444  

Barbara Rudolph
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Quail Baby oil painting by Barbara Rudolph

For the month of June a group of artists have been painting or sculpting one miniature painting a day, working our way through the alphabet.  This little "quail" oil painting is what I painted for the letter "Q".  We have them running all over around the desert in Arizona.  You can see more mini paintings from this challenge on my blog.

Barbara Rudolph
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Easy Project to Make With Your Own Artwork

Handmade gifts you can make from your own paintings

This "bookmark" gift card was made from a recent oil painting I did for a client of an "oriole."  It is a very simple project and is also a great way to share your paintings with others at a much less expensive price than the original.  

For easy "how to do instructions" and more reference photos, visit my blog at:
http://artistbarbararudolph.blogspot.com/2012/06/easy-to-make-projects-with-your-own.html

Barbara Rudolph

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"H" is for "House Finch" Alphabet Mini Painting Challenge - Barbara Rudolph

"H" is for "House Finch"

in the "Alphabet Mini Paintings" challenge

Continuing on with the "Alphabet Mini's Painting Challenge" this month, I painted a "House Finch" for the letter "H".  Several of the artists that are participating in this challenge are painting or sculpting something every day working their way through the Alphabet.  Since I love to include a "bird" in each of my paintings I chose the "house finch."

See more of the these little paintings on my blog:

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"C" is for "Chipping Sparrow" The Alphabet Mini's Challenge - Barbara Rudolph

"Chipping Sparrow"

For today's "Alphabet Mini's Challenge" I painting a "Chipping Sparrow" for the letter "C".  Through the month of June each day we will be painting or sculpting something that begins with the letter for that day.  This little "oil painting" is painted on a 4x4" canvas panel.  They will also be for sale soon too, once I get them framed.

Barbara Rudolph

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"B" = "Blue Jay" The Alphabet Mini's Challenge - Barbara Rudolph

"Blue Jay"

Today's "Alphabet Mini" painting is a "blue jay" for the letter "B".  The challenge just started yesterday and a group of artists are participating.  See more on:

my blog 

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Barbara Rudolph

"A" = "Anna's Hummingbird" The Alphabet Mini's Challenge starts today

Anna's Hummingbird

Here is my first daily painting for the "Alphabet Mini's" challenge.  It is a 4x4" oil on canvas panel.  Once I figure out how to link to the other participating artists work, I will post some here.  You can even join in if you want.  Just paint or sculpt one small piece a day starting today, (June 1st).  Each day work your way through the alphabet creating something that begins with the letter of the day.  Today, being June 1st, I chose the "Anna's Hummingbird" for the letter "A".  

There is still time to join in

Barbara Rudolph
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"Lets Go Fishing" oil painting by Barbara Rudolph

"Let's Go Fishing"

This new oil painting "Let's Go Fishing" is 10 x 7".  It features a "kingfisher" sitting on an old "fishing pole".  It is painted in oil and will be custom framed for the opening of the 2012 "Celebration of Fine Art" show which opens on January 14th.  This show will have 100 artists from all over the country exhibiting their works for ten weeks in a row.  It is a wonderful show to visit and to meet the artists working in their temporary studios.   We are in a new location this year, so please visit the website for directions.

Barbara Rudolph
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CELEBRATION OF FINE ART

Tea Cup with Bluebird Painting "Tea Time" by Barbara Rudolph

"Tea Time"

Here is the new companion piece to "The Breakfast Blend" painting.   This one is called "Tea Time."   The blue and white china cup was from some photographs I took in "Winslow, Arizona" on "Route 66" at the famous "La Posada Hotel." It is "the last great railroad hotel" and is full of history.   It was designed by architect Jane Colter.   The hotel has been restored and it is a fun little stop to see all of the historic preservation as well as the ballroom and lovely gardens.   There is also a wonderful restaurant there called "The Turquoise Room" and the food is amazing.   This is where I took the pictures of the old china set.   I painted in the little bluebird on the cup and "Tea Time" will make the perfect companion piece to go with your "Breakfast Blend" painting, or wonderful by itself too.

I have a special going on now on this "giclee" on board until August 15th.   If you place your order before then it is only $75.00.   It will also come with a wood easel and free shipping in the U.S.   (only until August 15th) It will be at regular price after that.   It measures 7"x7" and will compliment any room. It is also a great "gift" size.

If you would like to pre-order one now, just drop me an email. 

(The original oil painting is also available if interested, please contact me for price.)

Click on image to view larger

Barbara Rudolph

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La Posada Hotel information



"Red White and Blue" Oil Painting "Arriving In Style"

"Arriving In Style"

I was trying to think of a painting that I have that is "Red White and Blue" for the "4th of July" ... that is also still available.  This oil painting "Arriving In Style" is "Red White and Blue."   It is painted on gallery wrapped canvas so the design continues around the edges of the canvas.  The size is 20x20x1.50.   It features a mother "bird" waiting for her eggs to hatch in style.  It is priced at $2000. but for the month of July only I will offer this painting for sale at "half price".  It was a lot of work and is also a very cheerful painting that will brighten up any room.  You can contact me with any questions or if you would like to see a high resolution photograph.

Your comments are welcome too.

Barbara Rudolph
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"Bluebird Oil Painting and The Color Blue" by Barbara Rudolph

"Bluebird"

"The color blue" is found in so many species of "birds".  These "birds" are also some of the most attractive birds seen in North America. So many people love "Bluebirds" and the color "Blue".  I love to paint them too.  I know that many of them are not actually "Blue", but just appear to be "blue" because of the way the light reflects upon the feathers.  I find that very interesting and either way, I still see them as a beautiful "blue" color.

I was trying to think of how many "birds" I could name that are "Blue."  I came up with quite a few: "Indigo Buntings", "Eastern Bluebirds", "Western Bluebirds", "Belted Kingfishers", "Tree Swallow", "Cerulean Warblers", "Blue Grosbeak", "Nuthatch", "Blue Jays", "Mexican Jay", "Mountain Bluebirds", some "Macaws", "Peacocks", "Dove", "Quail", and "Hummingbirds."  I love the iridescent colors on the throat feathers of many of the "hummingbird" species.  I am sure there are many others but I just can't name any more off the top.  I just wish I had a few of them around my own yard.

What does the color "blue" represent?  I did a quick search and found the answer to be:   The sky, infinity, truth, youth, spirituality, and peaceful.  Everything I could find was calming and happy.  Maybe that's why they call the "Bluebird" "The Bluebird of Happiness." What I don't understand is why does one describe a sad feeling as being "Blue"? (That one I cannot explain.)

The oil painting above is a detail of a little "Bluebird" I just finished.  It is actually an "Indigo Bunting."  It is an oil on canvas 7 x 7".   It found a good home and I do hope it will make them very happy too.

You can see more on my website:
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Your comments are always welcome.

Barbara Rudolph

Bird on Tea Cup - "The Breakfast Blend" by Barbara Rudolph

"The Breakfast Blend"

"The Breakfast Blend" is a little yellow "bird" sitting on a "tea cup."  The original was painted in oil and has sold but I have some wonderful giclee prints of them made on board.  It measures 7 x7" and comes with an easel.  It is a perfect size for a kitchen and makes a great gift too that is sure to make you smile.  The price is only $85.00 each with the easel.  If you are interested please contact me and I'll get one in the mail to you today.  The companion piece will be available later this month.

Barbara Rudolph

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Cello and Hummingbird Oil Painting "The Soloist"

"The Soloist"

12 x 9 x 2.50  Oil on Canvas

This new oil painting "The Soloist" features a little "hummingbird" sitting on one of the keys to a "cello."  I have been enjoying my "Musical themed" paintings and this one was inspired by my daughter's "cello."  I always include a little "bird" in each of my oil paintings too.  This one is for sale now and if you would like to see more work, please visit my website or blog.

Barbara Rudolph  

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Your comments are always appreciated

Murder Mysteries and Chickadee Oil painting by Barbara Rudolph

"White Butterfly"

(I was going to call it "Booked To Die"...but decided I had better go with the other title.)

This oil painting "White Butterfly" was so much fun to paint.  Do you love a good murder mystery?  If yes, you might enjoy this detailed "oil painting" that includes four very interesting books. "White Butterfly" by Walter Mosley, Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon", "Booked To Die" by John Dunning, and a book by Sheldon Rusch called "For Edgar."  Yes I'll admit....  that last book I chose for the cover...it fit right into the story I wanted to tell with my painting.

It all started with a beautiful carving of a "black capped chickadee" that my late father had carved. The base on the carving was broken, and I thought it might be fun to use it in a "still-life" painting. I placed it upon the "murder mystery" books and tried various lighting changes.  I took a lot of pictures until I got it just right.  Then I set out on the long journey to paint it.  I wanted to capture a little drama in the painting.  I painted in the "white butterfly" just above the "bird" as if....he was... "booked to die."  Of course if you prefer a happy ending..."white butterfly" will do too. They "key" sitting upon the shelf might just hold the mystery to this piece. What do you think is about to happen?

It will be framed and hanging in my studio at the "Celebration of Fine Art" in Scottsdale, Arizona, which opens on January 15th.  I hope you will stop by and say hi.  For more information about this oil painting, you can contact me.

Barbara Rudolph
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The Celebration of Fine Art Show