Drawing Birds - the Common Red Poll

Mr. Kool on Steve Madden Shoe Box (2022) Medium: Ink Pens Size: 12” x 12” The Common Red Poll belongs to the Finch Family. They are energetic songbirds and travel in flocks. They burrow in snow and are home to cold climates like the arctic tundra and boreal forest. They can survive in temperatures of 65 degrees below zero Fahrenheit! The reference photo for the bird was provided by Joe (ig @noble_opossum), who calls him Mr. Kool Aid due to his coloring. While working on a painting of this cute bird, I decided to draw him on a Steve Madden shoebox. Sometimes I work on rich materials that are archival but will also re-purpose bags or boxes that are considered temporary. Working with temporary materials was a response to the pandemic and world issues. I am compelled to transform waste to demonstrate the fleeting beauty of all things. Life and nature is impermanent. I want to hold up a mirror that reflects how man destroys man and nature, or how we protect it. Those who buy temporary art can preserve it in anyway they wish, either digitally or by other means.