Day 28 of #Birbfest2026: Bringing a Tiny Tide of Love 🌊💙

 

Meet "Waddle You Be Mine?"—my final new concept for the January Birbfest challenge.

These two Little Blue Penguins (also known as Fairy Penguins, Eudyptula minor) are still finding their way onto this heart-shaped panel, wing-in-wing. The Little Penguin is the smallest penguin in the world, proving that sometimes the smallest birds carry the biggest hearts. 🐧✨

🎨 The Process: I’m taking my time with this piece to ensure every indigo feather and every bit of their connection feels just right. Currently, the lineart has been transferred and the outer edge is painted.

💖 The Canvas: This work-in-progress is being brought to life on a "Candy Heart" shaped wood panel (8" x 8.5"). Crafted from 1/2" thick Baltic Birch, it features a keyhole in the back for easy hanging once the tide finally brings them home!

Hosted by @monkeymintaka @birbfest.challenge

Day 27 of #Birbfest2026: Head Turned & Heart Melted ✨

 

Today’s peek into the sketchbook features a study of the Red-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis amictus).

Some birds just demand to be drawn, and this one was no exception. With that signature "beard" of feathers and an incredibly fluffy silhouette, I couldn't resist being inspired.

I decided on a full-body graphite sketch with his head turned, capturing that curious, almost shy expression they get when they're scouting for their next meal. There’s something so endearing about the way their feathers ruff out! ✏️🌸

Hosted by @monkeymintaka @birbfest.challenge

Kindling the New Year: The Year of the Fire Horse 🏮🔥

 

As we gallop toward the Lunar New Year, I’m proud to reveal my latest piece: "Kindling the New Year."

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, a cycle defined by high energy, independence, and unbridled passion. This portrait captures that "Obsidian Ember" spirit—the deep, earthy brown of the horse’s coat contrasting with a Molten Core glowing from within. 🐎✨

May this piece spark the fire you need to chase your biggest dreams this year!

✨ The Details ✨

Title: Kindling the New Year

Medium: Original oil painting on paper.

Size: 2.75" x 3.5" (Art) | 4" x 5.5" (Framed).

The Frame: Housed in a vintage metal filigree frame with a "lightly singed" finish to evoke the heat of the fire theme.

🏠 Availability: This original piece is available for adoption! Please DM me directly for details if you need a little fiery spirit to adorn your walls for 2026.

#LisabellaRusso #KindlingTheNewYear #YearOfTheFireHorse #LunarNewYear2026 #ChineseZodiacArt #FireHorse #EquineArt #PopSurrealism #ArtDrop #DarkAesthetic #FantasyHorse #OilPainting #VintageFrame #ObsidianEmber

Kindling the New Year: Fire Horse WIP 🔥🐎

 

Here is the starting point for my 2026 Chinese New Year painting, titled "Kindling the New Year." 

There is a powerful magic in the shadow and spark of the Fire Horse. For this piece, I wanted to focus on the "Hearth of the Horse"—that internal furnace that drives us forward even in the darkest times. Painting this fiery glow against the deep, dark tones of a dark brown horse feels like capturing a secret, ancestral strength.

🎨 The Process: This is an oil painting on paper with a radiant golden gesso background. This is currently at the lineart stage, and I intend to let that gold shine through in the final background to frame the "ember" within the horse’s chest.

I hope to share the finished piece with you this Sunday, January 25th. A little light to carry with us into 2026. ✨

Day 22 of #Birbfest2026: A Floofy Study ✨

 

Today’s peek into the sketchbook features a study of the Galah Cockatoo (Eolophus roseicapilla).

There is something absolutely beguiling about the presence of a Galah. I couldn’t resist attempting a full-body portrait to capture that iconic, floofy crest and their gentle, curious expression.

While there is always more to learn when studying such a complex subject, this graphite sketch has me dreaming of the studio. I can already see these forms being translated into delicate pink hues and soft greys in oil. ✏️🌸

Day 20 of #Birbfest2026: A Curly-Headed Avian ✨

 

Today’s peek into the sketchbook features a study of the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus).

As the largest member of the pelican family, these birds have such an impressive presence. I wanted to focus this graphite sketch exclusively on a portrait to capture those iconic, wild curly feathers on the head and the elegant extension of the neck.

There is so much character in that open beak! I’d love to do a full-toned drawing of these fantastic birds at some point to really explore the light and shadow on those textures. ✏️☁️

Hosted by @monkeymintaka @birbfest.challenge

🖤 Feline Femme: Meow-Mento Mori 🐈‍⬛

 

A Valentine for the dark at heart. "Meow-Mento Mori" explores the fragile chambers of affection on an anatomical heart panel.

Featuring a big-eyed Gothic femme with heavy, downturned kitty ears, this piece is a deep dive into Anatomical Affection. Her ice green-blue gaze carries the weight of "Vows in Ventricles," reminding us that love is both a biological beat and a spiritual longing. 🥀

Even in the afterlife, you’ll always have her heart.

✨ The Details ✨

Title: Meow-Mento Mori

Medium: Original oil painting on an anatomical heart panel (Baltic Birch).

Size: 5.5" x 8" (1/2" thick).

Features: A keyhole in the back for easy hanging—no frame or hardware required.

🏠 Availability: This original piece is available for adoption! Please DM me directly for details if you need a wistful big-eye kitty girl for your collection.

A heartbeat away... 🖤✨

 

I’ve spent the last few days lost in the shadows and silk of this new piece. "Meow-Mento Mori" is finally finding her soul on this beautiful anatomical heart panel.

There is something so haunting about the way her Gothic "Big Eye" style interacts with the organic shape of the wood. I’ve shared a close-up today—the curve of her kitty ear, the depth of an eye, and a hint of her lips. She perfectly captures that delicate balance between creepy and cute.

🎨 The Canvas: This oil painting is coming to life on a stunning 5.5" x 8 anatomical heart panel (Baltic Birch). It’s a substantial 1/2" thick and features a keyhole in the back for easy hanging—no frame required.

Finishing touches are happening in the studio now. I'm still working on her delicate eyelashes and the final highlights in those ice green-blue eyes.

The full reveal of this original oil painting arrives this Sunday, January 18th. Keep an eye on your feed—she’ll be looking for a heart to call home! 🐈‍⬛🖤

Day 15 of #Birbfest2026: The Endearing Expression 🦉🧡

 

Today we're looking at the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus).

This fluffy, feathered friend has the most charming face! Capturing his quixotic expression in graphite was a total joy. Those intense eyes and the soft framing of the feathers make him such a compelling subject. I think he would be a fantastic challenge to paint in the future—imagine all that texture in oils!

Day 14 of #Birbfest2026: A Stalwart Fluffball ✨

 

Today’s peek into the sketchbook features a study of the Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris).

When it comes to birds, I definitely have a "type"—and this round, stalwart fellow is exactly it! I really wanted to share him for the challenge, but I didn't want to rush his beautiful colors. I decided to capture his "chonky" silhouette in graphite for now, with every intention of bringing him to the easel for a full oil painting in the future.