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Ever since I began painting birds (my very first painting was of a bird, so...), I've wanted to paint a group of all my favorites. Twelve years later, I'm finally doing it!

A dose of procrastination.

This was supposed to be about birds, but then I began asking myself questions, like "why did I wait so long to paint a collection of birds?"

Do you have goals that you have put off for way too long? When I searched the web I found out that "procrastination psychology" is actually a thing. Who knew?

My own reasons may have been fear of failure, feeling overwhelmed at the prospect, perfectionism, lack of confidence, or just other projects taking priority. (If you'd like to do a deep dive into the topic, I've included a couple of links at the bottom.) 

"To avoid experiencing negative feelings, we keep away from tasks that may overwhelm or inconvenience us."*

 

Confession.

This is not my first attempt. I actually painted a piece prior to this. The birds were further apart, and I didn't like the effect when I "filled in the spaces" between them with branches and foliage. I felt it was just too busy and distracted from the birds.

Learn from your mistakes.

Every painting is either a success or a learning tool. I learned a couple things from the first painting: Don't overwork individual birds, and place them closer together. I designed a new collage - this time using a different selection of birds.

I printed my own bird photos fairly close to actual size, and then played with the placement in a "bird collage" until I was satisfied with the arrangement.  

One by one.

I love painting birds, and this assemblage allows me to paint one bird at a time. I'm enjoying this process very much! 

I'm excited at the prospect of doing a number of these paintings: winter birds, summer birds, water birds...the combinations are endless!

Commissions.

Do you have a number of favorite birds that you would like to see combined into one painting? I'd be happy to create a "bird collage" for you! Whether three birds or twenty, contact me with your ideas and we will work out a price!

Paint. Love. Repeat.

Links:

*Why Do We Procrastinate?

The Unexpected Benefits of Procrastination