Roundup: Bird Art
Good day, design friends! Peggi here. I hope the first week of May has greeted you with warm sunshine, gentle breezes and cheerful birdsong. Birds just happen to be our topic on this beautiful Friday. We love chatting about all types of art here on Room for Tuesday (See original landscapes, wall art and fruit still lives), so today I thought we could explore pictorial representations of the avian variety. If you’re interested, click through to peep some stunning inspiration images and a gorgeously eclectic collection of bird art.
Let me start by showing you probably my favorite ever use of bird art. I realize the above image may not fit everyone’s aesthetic. Some of you might even think, “It’s pretty except for the vulture.” This scene has lived in my memory because of the condor since I saw the article in the July/August issue of Elle Decor…2008. Classic, timeless and edgy? That’s a feat, friends.
Before we chat further, peruse the collage below and keep reading for my top picks and tips…
Click right on the images to be redirected to the source, or use the numbered links below to shop my finds… not all are clickable.
01: large tapestry // 02: framed vintage prints // 03: japanese cranes // 04: goldfinch original oil // 05: raven original impasto // 06: bluebird original oil // 07: art nouveau herons // 08: Italian swallows // 09: red audubon // 10: red-tailed hawk print // 11: crow original oil // 12: pair of vintage hummingbird prints // 13: loon linocut 14: bluebird instant download // 15: wild turkey photo // 16: vintage bird on branch // 17: vintage parrot lithograph // 18: bird in flight photo // 19: sparrows original oil // 20: barn owl original pastel // 21: pink flamingo watercolor print // 22: great blue heron audubon print
Would you look at all that pulchritudinous plumage! So tough to choose, but… Number 1 is gorgeous, enormous and remarkably priced! Perfect over a bed or as a commanding presence in a living room or dining room. I’m captivated by the graphic nature of #3. Also, this shop and several others offer numerous sizes and material options. Customize to your heart’s content! Another bold choice I just want to gaze at endlessly is the vivid, dreamy #7. Swoon. I’m a forever fan of the oversized Audubon prints, and seller #22 lists twenty different species! Two more quick notes. Vendor #17 sells sort of “mystery” lots consisting of 3-5 antique prints from deconstructed books. I ordered a set and am so pleased! Finally, I can personally vouch for the stunning print quality sold by artist #21. Your turn! Do you have any favorites?
An estimated 10,000 species of birds inhabit this planet of ours. If you favor art that reflects its environment, you should have no problem finding a feathered friend to fit the bill. Puffins, seagulls, and flamingos bring to mind ocean breezes. Ducks, loons and cranes conjure inland waterways, sparkling lakes and even city parks. Nothing says desert to me like a roadrunner! Don’t forget that each state has its own official bird. I won’t name all 50, but you get the idea. Ha!
A well-chosen bird portrait can introduce a subtle theme to your decor, and the choices are plentiful… new or vintage!
Maybe you prefer art that is more symbolic? Certain birds represent peace, wisdom, pride or transformation. References vary across cultures and religions, of course, but birds can be powerful totems. What sort of energy do you want to bring into your space? Perhaps the meaning you seek is more personal than universal. An avid reader may choose a favorite literary symbol. (Quoth the raven...) Duck or pheasant paintings look right at home in a hunter’s den. Do you share a name with a certain soaring creature? Whatever the association, bird art can convey a message in addition to its beauty.
(Am I the only one who wonders about the secret significance of people’s art?)
Of course, you might just enjoy the wondrous, magical splendor of birds! Their myriad sizes, colors and shapes afford endless fascination. Whether you opt for a giant statement piece or a carefully curated gallery, bird art effortlessly graces the walls of any room. So tell me, do you display artwork featuring lovely winged wonders? Do you find them as enchanting as I do? Are any of you actual bird watchers? I would love to hear about it! Although I likely lack the requisite patience, I can’t deny being intrigued by such a hobby. Share in the comments. I always look forward to reading your thoughts and opinions! Until next time, friends.
