Alive 2025
“Alive” is the first member showcase of 2025 at Salem Arts Association. Artist members offer work on the theme of feeling alive, good vibes, positive energy, and happiness. The will be held on Opening Reception: Friday, February 28, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Show dates: Saturday March 1 to Saturday March 29, 2025
My entry in the exhibit is called “A Radiance of Cardinals”. The painting was done in two steps. First, I painted the view of the woods from my back window. It was winter, and too cold to paint outside, so there was a layer of thermal glass between me and the cold, snowy scene — one step removed from the en plein air painting I love to do. However, I wanted the painting to feel ALIVE to match the theme of this Salem Arts Association show. I have often seen a cardinal or two in my yard, and the pair that live in my woods bring me so much joy with their bright feathers and musical songs.
Although cardinals are usually relatively solitary birds, in the winter time they sometimes gather in a large flock called a radiance. In this way they help each other stay warm and find food in the hostile weather. Many people believe that seeing a cardinal is a lucky visit from a loved one on the “other side”. What incredible luck it would be to see such the sight of a whole flock! I imagined how lively all those brilliant red birds would look on my trees and decided to paint them into my winter scape. That is the fun of painting; I can create my own reality and my own luck!