Margo, Queen Of The Bird Bots

12x6" acrylic and mixed media on paper, SOLD 

My son, the college graduate and creative writing major, has many great works of literature under his belt. He has always loved to read. If you ask him to list his all time favorite books, Stuart Little is still in the top ten. And Margo will always be one of his favorite characters. So this is a twisted little nod to Margo and to Zac and to the joy of the great books of childhood.

To see more of my artwork please visit my website. Enjoy!

Fair Weather Friend

8x6" oil on canvas, available here 

Most of my paintings include a bird somewhere on the canvas--some are more obvious than others. Many are hidden in the scratchy background marks. There are several symbols that appear repeatedly in my work: tic-tac-toe games, ladders, chairs, moons, etc. But the bird? Well, he can represent so many things; a versatile little symbol, this guy. Freedom, childhood, the sub-conscious, the voice of reason, escape, my kids...the list goes on. Thinking I should change the name of this blog to Brenda York's Bird A Day. Tweet that!

Rapunzel Lays Bare Her Wanton Waves

36x24" oil on canvas

As promised, this week and next I will be posting my new series, "Fairy Tales And Strange Birds". Tomorrow I am hanging the show and the opening reception will be on this coming Friday, Oct 9 at Bread & Cie in Hillcrest from 5:30 to 7pm. Please drop by for some wine tasting, treats and twisted fairy tales. There will be five new large paintings and eight individual portraits of Snow White's gang (And yes, I said eight!) Feeling a real sense of relief tonight--I've been working on these paintings since mid-summer. Hopefully in the next couple of days I will have the whole series up on my website for up close viewing.

Naked Jaybird

10x8" oil on canvas, SOLD

I've been wanting to do another painting with these "lollipop trees" for a while. I really like to play with scale and depth in a picture. I think it's more interesting than if it's "correct" and what you expect to see. Much more engaging . So I guess this whole picture falls into that category. I like this little guy and his long cast shadow on the purple landscape. And what's up with those birds....

Mary Margaret In Birdland

6x8" oil on canvas, SOLD

If you look closely, this painting is channelling Alfred Hitchcock. The Birds have gathered in the background. Mary Margaret is trying to stay cool but a small, warm puddle has just appeared beneath her grey and navy, knee-length pleated skirt. The penny loafers will never be the same. It's a long walk home.

"Birds Of A Feather"

8"x 6", oil on canvas, SOLD

Right outside my studio window I have a very popular birdfeeder. Birds come from miles around to sample haute cuisine in my backyard. It's a win/win situation for me and my feathered friends. While they graze on the finest seeds in the neighborhood I get close-up views of some otherwise fidgety models.

"Feather In His Cap"

6"x 8" oil on canvas, SOLD

"Did you ever see a bird that had the blues? One reason why birds are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds." --Dale Carnegie

"Birds On A Wire"

6"x 8" oil on canvas, SOLD

With this painting I am proud to say that I am now a member of The Daily Painters Art Gallery (check out the cool widget in my sidebar). Take a moment to look at all the talented artists who post their work daily on this online gallery. It's a great way to collect affordable art and the perfect place to view compelling artwork by some of the most accomplished artists working today. "Daily Paintings" are small jewel-like paintings that are either finished pieces or studies for larger paintings. Most Daily Painters aim to complete a painting every day or, at the very least, to paint every day. Bookmark the Daily Painters website and enjoy an art gallery opening on your computer...everyday!