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.

Day 12 of #Birbfest2026: The Boreal Bonbon ❄️🍬

 

Field Notes: I’ve discovered a new species of winter candy. Characterized by its perfect roundness and vibrant crimson cap, the Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)—or as I call him, the Boreal Bonbon—is anything but quiet. 🕵️‍♂️

Don’t let the fluffy "chonker" physique fool you; this bird is roughly 90% fluff and 10% red-capped ambition. He has a very big voice and a lot of opinions about the current seed-to-snow ratio. This little sphere of spite and sweetness is officially the loudest thing in the woods!

✨ The Details ✨

Title: The Boreal Bonbon

Medium: Original oil painting on a cradled basswood panel.

Size: 4" x 4" square (7/8" depth).

Features: The edges feature the beautiful, natural unpainted wood of the panel.

🏠 Availability: This original piece is available for adoption! Please DM me directly for details if you need a little study in roundness that's demanding snacks for your walls.

Day 11 of #Birbfest2026: The Mountain Bluebird of Angst 💢

 

Don’t let the soft feathers fool you—this is "Cerulean Spite" in its purest form. This Mountain Bluebird is giving his best "Tiny Tempest" performance, emerging from his home with wings high and a heart full of Flurry and Fury.

He’s trying his hardest to be an intimidating guardian, but it’s difficult to stay scared of such a smol and scowling puff-ball! He is a true study in Altitude Adjustment.

✨ The Details ✨

Title: Cerulean Spite

Medium: Original oil painting on a cradled basswood panel.

Size: 4" x 4" square (7/8" depth).

Features: The background and edges feature the beautiful, natural unpainted wood of the panel, framing his "blue mood" perfectly.

🏠 Availability: This original piece is available for adoption! Please DM me directly for details if you need a little "grumpy blue" for your walls.

WIP: A Little Dark Romance for the New Year... 🖤✨

 

I'm currently working on a piece for Valentine’s Day titled "Meow-Mento Mori." She’s a Gothic, big-eye femme still finding her heart, but as you can see, the ears are already listening...

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

🖌️ The Process: Right now, I’ve established a deep purple flood for the background. I’m sharing the panel alongside my original lineart to show the "dark kawaii" direction this piece is heading.

Who else prefers a little "Creepy Cute" for their Valentine's decor? 🥀🐈‍⬛

Day 9 of #Birbfest2026: The Majestic Tail 🕊️✨

 

Today’s peek into the sketchbook features a study of the Indian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi).

I completely fell in love with the elegant, winding lines of this bird's long tail feathers! Capturing that sense of movement in graphite was such a meditative and joyful process.

My next #Birbfest share will be a "smol" painting of a Mountain Bluebird, coming your way on the 11th. I can’t wait to show you the color on that one!

The Tiny Despot has arrived! 🌈👑

 

Meet my take on the many-colored rush tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra). Despite the intimidating name, this rotund fellow is really just a Technicolor Tot ruling over the reeds.

I wanted to capture him as a "Painted Puffball"—the ultimate Marshmallow of the Marsh. He may be small, but in his own mind, he is the undisputed Rainbow Ruler of the wetlands! 

Created for Day 2 of #Birbfest2026, he’s my first completed reveal of the new year.

✨ Miniature Magic ✨This original oil painting is tucked into a vintage ornate frame for a truly regal, "pocket-sized" feel.

Art size: approx. 2.75" x 3.5"

Framed size: approx. 4" x 6"

🏠 Availability: This original framed painting is available for purchase! Please DM me directly for details if you'd like to add this Rainbow Ruler to your collection.

New Year, New Painting. ✨

 

Day 1 of 2026 and the brushes are already moving! I’m kicking off the year with a whimsical, "kawaii" bird WIP for #Birbfest2026. This month is all about keeping things low-pressure and high-joy.

My first subject is titled "The Tiny Despot"—a chibi-style version of the magnificent Many-colored Rush Tyrant. Currently, the sketch is transferred and the background is set. I’m letting the warm glow of the golden gesso serve as my underpainting for this rainbow-hued "roundling."

I can't wait to reveal this completed smol painting tomorrow!

What are you looking forward to creating or doing in 2026? 🥂

My final painting of 2025! 🥂

 

Closing out the year with one last piece: "Wild at Hearth." She’s a golden domestic kitty with the wild heart of a Khaleesi—I especially loved painting those tufted lynx ears!

This year has been a beautiful journey of growth. From whimsical animals to big-eyed femmes, and from larger canvases to these tiny miniatures, I’ve loved every moment of this creative path.

✨ Miniature Magic ✨This original traditional oil painting on paper in a vintage filigree frame is a true "pocket-sized" feline!

Art size: approx. 2.75" x 3.5"

Framed size: approx. 4" x 5.5"

Special Note: This amber sovereign was inspired by @NikkiNakagawa's sweet kitty. Thank you so much for the inspiration, Nikki!

🏠 Availability: "Wild at Hearth" is currently available for adoption! Please DM me directly for details if you’d like to bring this golden girl home.

Thank you all for the support, comments, and love you've shared with my art this year. Wishing you a safe and joyful New Year’s Eve!

Art vs. Artist 2025: A Year in Review ✨

 

This year is fast drawing to a close! Oil paintings, drawings, and sketches, oh my... 🎨

2025 was a year of exploration for me. From the feathered focus of #Birbfest to the spooky whimsy of Mab Graves' #Drawlloween, these challenges brought so much inspiration and joy. I’ve loved playing with scale—creating both large-scale works and tiny, 4"x4" oil paintings—and returning to the quiet beauty of toned paper drawings.

My heart remains rooted in big-eye fantasy femmes and whimsical animals. Art, love, and family are my world, and I’m so grateful you’ve been part of this journey!

Which piece from this year was your personal favorite?

Get ready for #Birbfest2026! 🐦🎨

 

If you love birds and art, here is the prompt list for January! Hosted by @monkeymintaka.bsky.social, this challenge is a wonderful way to kick off the New Year. You can find the full guide at: www.monkeymintaka.com/birbfest

I’m still happily finishing up a few pieces from this year's Birbfest, so I’ll be taking a low-pressure approach to 2026—but I can’t wait to be inspired by all your feathered creations!

Who else is planning to join in?