Okay, okay, so technically the 12 days of Christmas happen after Christmas, but that wouldn't really be as fun for you guys, and the build up helps you get in the spirit.
Fun fact, the gifts in the song seem super weird because they are actually symbols for the tenets of Christianity. The "true love" is representative of the Judeo-Christian god, and a partridge was chosen because this bird displays a behavior to protect its young wherein it will lure predators away from the nest and go so far as to feign injury to keep any threat away.
The printable page of the line drawing is available to download on my Patreon page for supporters at the $10 level. It can be used for coloring, wrapping paper, or various small pet bedding when properly shredded. Printed at a very small scale, they may enjoy the artwork, too.
Not into coloring or supporting independent artists monetarily? That's cool. Interject your new carol knowledge at the office party to make people uncomfortable when they thought they were singing strictly secular songs.
FYI- the Cyber week sale has ended and the extra Patron codes have expired, but as an extra thanks during the holidays, there is a 30% off code for $10 Patrons on the Patreon page with the Partridge download.
I am the first to admit how very lucky I am to live in a place that many people visit on vacation.
I'm a wand-wielding Potterhead and pass-holding Space Center nerd with golden brown flip flop tan tines.
My 1st neighbor, day 1 in FL!
While I do enjoy the theme parks and beaches that tourists flock south to, it's the wildlife and lush surroundings that feed my soul. My daily encounters with animals, including endangered and threatened species, are typical yet so very special to me.
Since the very first day I moved to Sunshine State, the Florida Sandhill Crane has played a part in this chapter of my life. These birds are stunning to say the least. Their long, elegant lines and deliberate and graceful movements are mesmerizing, and their trumpeting calls are very distinct.
(That same call can also be incredibly heartbreaking to listen to when one crane is calling for a mate for seeming days on end, but that leads me to the next reason I love them so.)
Sandhill cranes mate for life and stay in family groups. You'll often see groups of 2 or 3. The female usually lays two eggs, and if both eggs in the clutch hatch and survive, you'll see a family of four. Juveniles stay with the parents up to 10 months. Families of four make me especially happy, because they are currently a threatened species due to destruction of habitat. The Florida Sandhill Crane, or Grus canadensis pratensis, is a non-migratory sub-species of the sandhill crane family that only numbers around 3,000-4,000. You might see numbers increase during winter months, but those are actually the migratory cranes, Grus canadensis, from northern states.
(So buy a house that's empty, guys. We need our wetlands!)
The sandhill crane is very secretive, selective, and protective of its nest location. This is another reason that habitat conservation is so vital. While it might seem like they are plentiful because we see them roaming neighborhoods, it's very important not to feed them. Habituation to humans can lead to dependence, aggression, property destruction, as well as an increase in roadway deaths.
In the wild, these birds can live up to 20+ years. Let's keep it that way. :)
My husband and I have a special place for them in our life. He used to say with a huge smile, "Bird family!", every time we saw a specific crane group when we started dating, as they walked around the neighborhood where I lived.
Now, we are visited daily by families of cranes in a home where we live as a married couple.
Another incredible sight to see is the crane dance. These birds have a beautiful dance that they use for mating, social bonding, educating their young, and some scientist think at times it may even be play.
If you follow my art, you know I like to also look to the historic esoteric symbolism and qualities attributed to animals.
Some say Sandhill Cranes are totems of privacy and keeping your own counsel, protection of family, longevity, balance, grace, and the "dance of life". For me, they are a symbol of knowing what is important to you and guarding it with all of your heart while remaining upright and balanced. This is not an easy task, but when we call out to those that love us, we will prevail, and we will dance in the process.
Last week I kept seeing Cardinals everywhere. He was on the trail everyday when I ran.
He showed up in my yard. It was one of those things where I knew it wasn’t going to stop until I painted him.
I’m really glad I did. I needed him to remind me.
There is somuch I could write on the cardinal, but I'll save a few tidbits for the next painting he graces. ( I know he's not done with me.) Cardinals hold significance on many levels for me. I was born a Buckeye, so these fierce little songbirds will always hold a place in my “heart of it all”. (Along with Ohio, the cardinal was also named state bird of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.) They are gorgeous birds with a song that truly does sound like “cheer”. Seriously, youtube it. It’s even more special to me that the reddish brown and gray females of this species, while not as bright and bold in color, actually do sing. This puts a damper on the former theories that birdsong was only a male trait for sexual selection. For me, it’s a great metaphor for women everywhere. We have a voice, and it’s not all about mating. Sing on, sister! Although cardinals do mate for life, which leads to this next interesting fact- Male cardinals actually lose some of their brilliant crimson color while helping to rear nestlings. They are great parents that fiercely protect the nest. Dad birds. What?! I know, right?
But when they aren’t being awesome bird fathers, they are territorial and aggressive. They are known for fighting with other crimson cards, including those they see reflected in glass.
Warriors, indeed. Cardinals can also be a warning symbol of aggressive vanity that might be holding us back.
It’s easy to see why the male cardinal’s fiery crimson plumage always captures our attention, especially on those bleak winter days. But there really is so much about these birds that brings me awe and peace, it’s no wonder that the final and most important symbol of a cardinal is that of an esoteric nature.
Many say that seeing a cardinal is representative of a visit from a loved one that has passed.
All of us live our daily lives with a certain amount of heartache for those we have lost.
Some days can be a proverbial blizzard. The forest is whipped with icy winds, the snow is blinding, our feet and hands are numb, and the tears freeze on our eyelashes. It makes it hard to see the path let alone keep on walking.
Then a brilliant flash of red reminds us it won’t be winter forever. The sun will shine. The snow will melt. The wind will subside. A song of Cheer.
I titled this painting Cardinal Direction with that in mind.
When we are mindful, seeing these birds can influence how we direct our steps and our thoughts afterward, even through the bitter cold winds. Thank you, Cardinal.
Do you have a cardinal story?
I'd love to hear it. Please, leave a comment or Contact me. :)
Sometimes, simplicity is the best way to appreciate and capture what inspires me. I am constantly inspired by birds. Their grace, freedom, and beauty is only the beginning, but feathers are at the heart of each. This small piece is a study on the simplicity and beauty of a feather.
September is upon us and another challenge has been posed. However, this month is pretty busy for me. I have a few prior commitments, so I don't think I can realistically crank out 30 paintings and get anything else done. (One painting usually takes me 2-7 non-consecutive days to complete.)
I've been a bit anxious lately with all I have to get done. Most of those things are self-imposed, but sometimes that's even more pressure. I'm resolving to at least try to post weekly (and daily if I'm lucky) the smaller paintings I do finish, here on my blog. Yesterday was a somewhat stressful, worrisome, and overall blah day. I took a walk to clear my mind and look to nature for some respite. I set the intention to see something that would bring me clarity and peace.
As soon as I rounded the corner, I saw an unbelievable sight. Several dozen sparrows were flying around a churchyard field. They were diving, soaring, and circling at a frenetic pace. In awe, I stopped to watch them for a bit. By the time I realized I really needed to take a photo of the birds, they were flying away. This painting is inspired by that brief and beautiful encounter. It had an unexpectedly profound effect on me. Sparrows are a symbol for many things, among them freedom, creativity, and Love. It was just the lift I needed.
Birds of the Aircheered me. Marvin Gaye cheers me, too. I'll leave you with this Marvin version of a sparrow themed song. An oldie, but a goodie. Fly high, my friends. ~D. Renée
Some search for love,
for money, for success. Exotic and rare, we chase after the metaphorical birds of paradise. ( As a Steve Martin fan & bird nerd, I have to take this opportunity to mention The Big Year. Netflix. Trust me.) And yet, often times the things we so
desperately search for are right under our noses ( or on our shoulders
in this case). What beautiful birds am I missing while I chase the prize?
In my latest piece I have coupled my fascination with birds and my sometimes exhausting search for Truth, beauty, and enough art sales to keep me pushing paint. It is a reminder to take
inventory of the seemingly mundane. To take a moment to stop mimicking calls to attract elusive creatures and trade the binoculars for a magnifying glass. A moment of stillness and quiet
recognition of the things in our lives that bring happiness.
Artwork & Play 
