My submisson for Illustration Friday's "Safe is from my 2001 HomeMade Calendar and the title is "Bird House". For years I have observed the birds in my little neck of the woods and they always seem to feel safe when they are in their little houses and nests. They seem to sweep a lot too, they are always making sweeping sounds and moving the leaves around and gathering tidbits to bring home. It makes me feel safe listening to the sounds they make. This illustration is for the month of January and the quote is: "The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it" ~Emerson.
oh, nice, makes me feel all warm! Just what I need! It is magical, I love it... as usual.
ReplyDeleteVal this is really beautiful. I love the little dots of light and the way the branches envelope the little bird house. So sweet....
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect and wonderful expression of the theme. If it wasn't for that nasty incedent with the mail truck (I was sure I could catch it) I'd have a body and would wish it to be safe in one of your beautiful creations. With love. Bad Dog (deceased)
ReplyDeleteIt looks so cozy and ... safe! I love how you used the complementaries.
ReplyDeleteYour birds must be the happiest anywhere with all those adorable 'houses' they live in, on your artwork. So cute and safe!
ReplyDeleteOhhhhh i love it...so cozy...
ReplyDeleteIf I were a bird I would live here! What a lovely little home. Everything in this illustration 'sings.'
ReplyDeleteGood one! I too am a fan of bird sounds and am always kind of sad when I don't hear them much anymore in the wintertime.
ReplyDeleteSafe indeed! Such a snug and tidy little spot! I want a house like that!
ReplyDeletelots of fun details in this picture. I like what you wrote as well - there is something abut familiar sounds that makes you feel so safe.
ReplyDeleteNeato! I love the little bird peeking out....and...what a nice quote!
ReplyDeleteWonderful 'safe' house. An ornament or a bird house, I want one just like it. The added touch of the broom leaning against the wall is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI love this post and the last one! You are right, Val when you say that houses reflect how we feel and live with ourselves and others.
ReplyDeleteAnd Emerson's quote is so apt!
Val - this is so cozy and inviting, and safe as it glows warm against the cold blue background. I love the way light and warmth come from within, and I love the incredible details you add to make it a birdhome. So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments on my painting last week. I've been MIA lately with the start of a very, very busy school year. I am teaching four courses both semester, and it's a real organizational juggling act!
this is sooo sweet, and the little broom is precious! i also love the care you took in drawing the individual needles on the branches; some are a little wavy and that adds to the friendly atmosphere
ReplyDeletelove the coziness feel to it! sweet!
ReplyDeleteAt least the bird sounds make you feel safe, instead of reminding you of Alfred Hitchcock!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful warm feeling to this picture.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and magical!
ReplyDeleteI love your artwork and your imaginative design. How lucky you are to live where you can actually hear birds making little sweeping sounds. It's so noisy where I live (near the freeway) that I can only hear the noisiest birds.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet and cozy, lovely colours :)
ReplyDeleteLove the colours in this one! For some reason it made me think of winter and snow!
ReplyDeletevery nice illo, as usual, and wonderful writing...as a matter of fact your "blog-house" is always a safe place and plenty of friends...
ReplyDelete:)
Beautiful! I want to live inside.
ReplyDeleteAdorable! It's almost holiday time too.
ReplyDeleteSmooch,
The Tart
; )
I love the birdhouse with the broom-good housekeeping is essential when you bring in all manner of nature from twigs to worms to make life pleasing, sweeping is a must-so creative, so cute. Though more than the house, the pine and cold winters background is-just beautiful. Unique and lovely feel to this piece of work!
ReplyDeleteBrrrrrr ! I can almost feel that fridged winter air from looking at that christmas bird house ! Nice !
ReplyDelete=^_^=
stevePoisonPencil
a magic cottage for the birds, so sweet and it does feel safe. that is what we all want: a safe place.
ReplyDeleteYou've done it again! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birdhouse rendering, Val. You're so good with your airbrush. I wonder if you've converted over to Photoshop airbrush or if you still work totally traditionally.
ReplyDeleteI like yor ilustration very much!
ReplyDeleteThankyou for commenting on my blog too!
lov the colors of this lil house safe and secure tucked away in the brances of a christmas tree
ReplyDeleteI love the lighting in this piece and the little bird in the window! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely, warm and delightful!
ReplyDeleteThe birds are sweeping! So that's what they are up to! This is such a sweet painting and answer to the theme. Home is safe
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying your houses very much.
ReplyDeletewow thats beautyfull ! so colored, so warm !
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely illustration. I love all the details.
ReplyDeleteTHis is super CUTE! I love it how you pulled inspiration from birds, my favorite thing is to wake up and hear them outside my window :D
ReplyDeleteits about time i start doing I.F. entries again! I'll start this week
Such a warm, glowing little safe haven in the winter. I think of my house like this when I have a long trip home in snowy weather. Superbly beautiful, as always.
ReplyDeleteI had a pet finch. It was a rescue from the wild; she sat on my shoulder and let me handle her. I had to let her go.
ReplyDeleteIt must be offical bird month!!
ReplyDeleteIs it time to fly south yet?
Maybe it is just time to fly as high as we can, it would be lovely to come down again to one of your bright houses... this one is perfect!!
very sweet. i could see how these could be turned into real 3-D series of ornaments.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a peaceful and lovely illustration -- love the color combination, reminds you of being safe in the middle of winter in the warmth and comfort of home...
ReplyDeleteJust looking at this wonderful creation, I feel safe and peaceful! :)
ReplyDeleteA really sweet image and perfect for the theme!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful - I'm looking forward to christmas...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the details on the roof and the chimney.
Great!
ReplyDeleteYou are truly truly accomplished! I like the colour scheme most.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, sweet and peaceful! Mary :-D
ReplyDeleteWow! You do incredible work! I want to be you when I grow up :-).
ReplyDeleteThis is adorable! Thank you for the nice compliment on my blog. :)
ReplyDeletelove how we are seeing the house through the trees!
ReplyDelete