Birds
From quiet perches to wings in motion, these paintings celebrate the colour, grace, and personality of birds.
Strength carried on silent wings
Pastel
12 × 9 inches
Silent Surprise at Dawn captures a fleeting moment charged with quiet intensity – when the forest is still between night and day. Against a backdrop cloaked in mist and shadow a majestic owl emerges without warning wings fully extended in graceful flight its presence felt more than heard. The feathers ripple with washes of deep blues and soft purples interwoven with subtle touches of yellow that catch the faint morning light. The owl’s bright orange eyes hold an unwavering focus pulling the viewer into the scene with his piercing watchful gaze. The composition balances mystery and natural elegance drawing on the contrast between the softly illuminated bird and the dark whispering woods beyond. This interplay of light and shadow evokes the fragile beauty of dawn—the moment when the world holds its breath before daybreak. There is a palpable sense of calm energy here as if time has slowed just enough to witness the owl’s silent approach blending strength and grace in a fleeting unforgettable encounter. It invites the viewer to pause to notice and to feel the quiet power of a creature perfectly at home in the in-between hours.
A rooster greeting the day with color and confidence
Pastel
9 × 12 inches
Sometimes a painting is simply about joy — color personality and a little bit of fun. This vibrant rooster seemed to emerge naturally as layers of soft pastel built up into rich glowing feathers. His sweeping tail and proud stance give him a sense of quiet confidence while the soft atmospheric background keeps the focus on his colorful personality. Roosters have long symbolized new beginnings optimism and the promise of a fresh day. This little fellow embodies all of that — standing tall welcoming the morning and reminding us to greet each day with a bit of color and flair. Created in soft pastel this piece celebrates both spontaneity and the playful side of wildlife — a cheerful addition for anyone who enjoys art that brings a smile.
Where blossoms and wings meet in a quiet moment of colour and light.
Soft Pastel on Pastelmat
9 × 12 inches
Some paintings are inspired by the beauty of nature, while others are inspired by the people who enrich our lives.
This hummingbird was created as a companion to my earlier painting, Song of the Wings. Designed to complement the original while standing on its own, the hummingbird faces the opposite direction, creating a graceful sense of balance between the two pieces.
I wanted this painting to have its own personality while maintaining the same feeling of movement, colour, and light. Hovering among vibrant summer blossoms, the hummingbird captures a fleeting moment of energy and quiet elegance.
This is one of those paintings where everything seemed to come together naturally. Rich colour, soft atmosphere, and delicate details combined to create a piece that became one of my personal favourites. I'm especially grateful that it has found a home with someone who has cherished the original painting from the very beginning.
In a moment of color and flight, the spirit sings.
Pastel
9 × 12 inches
Song of the Wings In a moment of color and flight the spirit sings. Soft pastel on Pastelmat Wine colored paper – Size: 9 x 12 Painted by Olive ('25) In Song of the Wings the fleeting beauty of a hummingbird is captured in a shimmering moment of color and movement. Their distinctive sound — a soft vibrant hum — inspired this painting where the spirit of freedom and vitality is expressed through luminous pastels. This piece invites you to pause listen and feel the wild heart of the garden as it sings on the breeze.
A peaceful pause atop a delicate blossom.
Watercolor
9 × 6 inches
Sometimes the most meaningful paintings come from peaceful moments shared with others. Quiet Perch was created during an Art Fun Group gathering surrounded by mountain views and fellow artists. I found myself drawn to the quiet details of this hummingbird and flower.
The calm atmosphere encouraged me to slow down enjoy the process and simply paint. This watercolor also gave me the chance to experiment with an old technique—sprinkling salt onto the wet wash to create the soft organic texture in the background. The result is a gentle study of light colour and stillness that celebrates both nature and the joy of creating with friends.
A hummingbird resting among summer blooms.
Watercolor & Oil Pastel
6 × 9 inches
Sometimes the smallest paintings become opportunities to play experiment and learn. This little hummingbird began as a watercolor study inspired by the quiet beauty of a summer garden. As the painting developed I wasn't completely happy with the watercolor alone so I reached for a medium that was new to me—oil pastels. Their creamy texture and rich colour allowed me to rework areas of the painting while still preserving the softness I wanted. Finished with touches of coloured pencil this small mixed-media piece became a reminder that experimentation is an important part of the creative process. Not every painting follows the path you expect but sometimes those unexpected turns lead to new discoveries.
Morning Pheasant Pause
Pastel
9 × 12 inches
The artwork depicts a vibrant pheasant standing on a pathway. Its plumage is richly colored with shades of red brown yellow and white contrasting with a muted atmospheric background that mixes soft blues and earthy tones. Surrounding the bird are hints of foliage and rocks creating a natural setting that evokes a serene early morning or late afternoon scene with diffused lighting. ---------------------- Embrace the captivating allure of "Morning Pheasant Pause" a stunning tableau where the essence of early light dances with nature's vibrant palette. This piece masterfully crafted in soft pastel measures 9 x 12 inches and radiates an intimate connection to the beauty of the natural world. At the heart of the scene a majestic pheasant stands poised on a quiet pathway its feathers a cacophony of bright reds earthy browns sunlit yellows and pristine whites. Each hue is meticulously applied to bring the bird to life making it the vivid focal point of this serene masterpiece. The surrounding atmosphere exudes tranquility with soft blues and earthy shades forming a gentle muted backdrop that suggests the gentle pause of dawn or dusk. Subtle hints of foliage and textured rocks add depth and context wrapping the pheasant in a lush serene landscape where the air is filled with a gentle diffused glow. This setting inspires a sense of peace and contemplation inviting viewers to savor a moment suspended in time. "Morning Pheasant Pause" beckons you to appreciate the profound beauty and delicate nuances of the wild world. It speaks to the soul highlighting the wonders that often go unnoticed in our hurried lives and calls upon us to reconnect with the simple elegance of nature. This artwork is a reminder that beauty abounds in the fleeting moments and to cherish the gentle harmony that exists in the pause of a pheasant or the rustle of leaves underfoot.
Perfect place to rest and watch
Pastel
9 × 12 inches
"Owl's Cozy Gnarls" invites you into a whimsical intimate encounter with nature's quiet majesty. This soft pastel and pastel pencil masterpiece compactly sized at 9 x 12 inches draws you into a world where imagination and meticulous detail beautifully intertwine. Perched serenely upon a gnarled tree branch a small owl captivates with its soulful yellow eyes brown and white feathers blending seamlessly with the rugged textures of the tree bark. The artwork's background a gentle blur of greens and blues cocoons the owl accentuating its presence as the focal point in this harmonious scene. The organic twists and turns of the tree's bark echo the nuanced beauty of the natural world drawing you closer to its earthy embrace. This piece is both whimsical and precise where every stroke embodies an appreciation for detail and charm. Let your eyes explore the subtle interplay of colors that link the owl to its arboreal perch a testament to the delicate balance of wildlife and environment. "Owl's Cozy Gnarls" is an invitation to pause to delight in the small wonders of the world and to find joy in the exquisite simplicity of the moment. Whether for contemplation or inspiration this artwork promises to bring warmth and a gentle touch of enchantment to any space.
Grace in stillness.
Pastel
9 × 12 inches
A swan glides silently through the pond its form mirrored gently in the water surrounded by soft reeds and floating light. In Peaceful Swan the scene feels both timeless and still — a quiet breath in nature where beauty unfolds without effort. The pastel medium brings softness to the reflection and delicacy to the feathers inviting the viewer into a moment of calm presence. The painting captures more than a bird on water — it speaks to grace poise and the strength that can live in stillness. The surrounding greens and soft ripples hint at life just below the surface but all attention is drawn to the swan’s gentle curve and the glowing light on its back. Inspired by nature’s quiet elegance this piece is both grounding and soothing — a visual pause that invites you to slow down take a breath and simply be. Peaceful Swan is a gentle reminder that there is beauty in simply floating reflecting and existing in the now. Unison pastel on Pastelmat - Sienna
White wings moving through winter light
Pastel on Pastelmat
14 × 18 inches
Into the Stillness captures a fleeting moment of quiet flight, when a white owl moves effortlessly through the muted light of winter. Emerging from the forest, the owl’s wings are open and steady, carrying both strength and grace into the hush of the landscape.
Soft layers of blue, violet, and pale gold suggest a world hushed by cold, where sound is absorbed and time feels slowed. The whiteness of the owl becomes a source of light itself — not harsh or dramatic, but calm and purposeful.
This painting reflects my ongoing fascination with moments in nature that feel almost unseen: the brief pause, the silent passing, the quiet presence that asks us to slow down and notice.