Angel's Rest

Whilst RV-ing in Canada a couple of years ago, I was struck by the brilliance of the Cardinals. Then speaking with local people they told me that many felt cardinals were representative of angels nearby, or loved ones who had passed on. The spiritual aspect of these beautiful birds lives in indigenous spirituality also, as visitors from the other side. Western religion believes they represent the blood of Christ, and as with Poinsettias are often seen near Christmas time. Fascinated by their meaning and their behaviours, it was impossible not to paint them. So starting with a very loose background I allowed the natural flow of the water and pigment to create abstract shapes, which then suggested the cardinals and their placement within the piece.