My return to serious painting began with chickens. I was making a decorative sign with ferns out in the yard, and the chickens seemed to take a great interest. So I started with one of our Barred Plymouth Rocks, all named Minerva Louise.
Then I tried a few more. Chickens were a lot like ferns, really – lots of pattern and curves. So the flock grew. Minerva Louise went to the Evergreen State Fair and won a ribbon. I also met a lot of chicken owners there, including a big burly guy who told me all about his twelve-year old rooster, Chico, who would take grapes from his hand and then offer them to his hens.
He inspired me to have my own roosters, and paint them. I also got my courage and started entering my chicken paintings in a few juried shows, as well as taking advantage of the exhibition opportunities in public spaces.
I still have chickens and paint them now and again. They connect well with my brush, and when I exhibit them, I enjoy all the great chicken stories.
Many of my chicken paintings are sold but are still available as prints and cards.