Magpie

Hello Mr. Magpie, How's Your Wife?

Magpies, are members of the Corvid family, and are a common sight in cities and countryside alike. They are far from shy, their cackle can be heard even when they can't be seen.We all know the old English rhyme associated with the Magpie and some consider the birds to be unlucky. I, on the other hand adore them! They mirror our own human behaviour, when you see one, you can be sure another will not be far away, they are sociable, clever and curious about the how to manipulate the world around them and use things to their advantage. Although they appear to be monochromatic birds, their true beauty can be seen when the light shines upon their plumage to reveal a spectrum of blues, greens and purples and it is this myriad of colours that I wanted to highlight in my painting There are dozens of birds in the cemetery neighbouring my house and I particularly like to observe their behaviour in April when both male and female birds work together to raise their chicks. For me they are a symbol of the importance of familial bonds and the joy that comes from working hard together to create a loving home for our children, through good times and bad.

I meticulously paint the original image in gouache; I try to capture the bird's intricate details and vibrant colours. The Giclée print is reproduced from the original painting and is created on xpression textured 300gsm archival paper, ensuring that the quality and texture enhance the visual depth of the image. Each print is unique; I apply gold leaf by hand, adding a distinctive touch that reflects my artistic process. This handcrafted approach means that no two prints are ever exactly the same, making each piece a truly original work of art infused with my personal touch. I sign each print by hand and add the edition number. Ideal for bird lovers and art enthusiasts alike, this print brings a touch of nature's beauty into any space.