Cardinals never grow old as a painting subject. Every one loves cardinals, especially now in winter when they are the only spot of color in an otherwise bleak landscape. I never tire of painting them. Many artists will struggle to find new material. Or a subject that is challenging. Or something that is different from the usual in an effort to not be stale. I confess to doing that too. But then I always return to cardinals. And chickadees! I love them too. Lots of people paint cardinals and chickadees. Is that a reason for me not to paint them? I don’t think so.
Some subjects are timeless. No matter how many times they are painted and by many varied artists, they are still popular subjects. All the more reason to keep painting them. They bring joy to many people. The legend of the cardinals is meaningful to lots of folks. Variations abound but the theme is to see a cardinal is to see a reminder that someone who has passed on, is still with us. I have wondered about that myself. I have a pair that frequent my bird feeders daily. I’m sure they are my grandparents. At least, I talk to them as though they are. That may raise some eyebrows with some of my friends but OK. I probably raise eyebrows for a number of things! Talking to cardinals seems pretty minor, as things go.
As long as people love cardinals, I’ll go on painting them. And chickadees too. As artists, we have to do what we have to do. It may not be what the current hot ticket thing is. It may not make you a star. If it brings joy to you and to others, who cares if its the big thing or not. Stardom is not all it’s cracked up to be anyway! I’m guessing, since I don’t know! Cardinals and chickadees have a timeless appeal. To me, that’s a great reason to keep on painting them
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