In the calm warmth of golden hour, the macaw listens to the sounds of the forest. The light drifts gently through the leaves and settles on his feathers. At one with the canopy, his presence carries a sense of deep love and the enduring beauty of nature.
This piece holds a special place in my heart, as it was the very first oil painting I ever created. Learning the process and watching this magnificent bird slowly emerge from the layers was such a rewarding experience. Each stage brought something new, from the earthy underpainting to the transparent glazes and finally to the opaque details that brought the image to life.
I cherished the experience of mixing the colors, experimenting with new brushstrokes, and learning how oil paint moves and blends while it remains workable far longer than I was used to. The whole experience just felt deeply satisfying, and I happily immersed myself in it. I would go to sleep thinking about this beautiful creature and imagining the sounds of the forest around him, anticipating the next day when I could return and add another layer.
When I look at this painting today, that feeling returns. Just as the forest light rests on the macaw’s feathers, its warmth rests within me.
Jackie Foster Art 