"Raven's Own Colors"

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"Raven's Own Colors" is a Watercolor Cut-Paper Collage, an original work of art that marries richly-hued watercolors with intricate paper-cutting.

Occasionally, a solitary raven visits a grove of palm trees near my house, months between visits, and calls out loudly from the top of the tallest palm during its fleeting visit. I always make certain to go into the garden to admire this bird, who proclaims its message before gracefully taking flight, leaving as quickly as it arrived. It will likely be some time before its return. Why was it here?

Ravens hold a wide range of symbolic significance across various cultures and mythologies around the world, such as wisdom, intelligence, trickery, magic, and protection. But the symbolism that most strikes me is of transformation and change. According to the lore, this remarkable bird acts as a messenger to help individuals change to gain the strength, wisdom, or abilities needed to overcome obstacles and move forward on their journeys. I find myself viewing the visiting raven through this lens of mythology and folklore. Is this raven a messenger? What is it I need to know? What needs to change?

I felt such joy in the making of this Raven. Originally she was going to be mostly black, with an underpainting of teal. But she called out for more color across her feathers! Are you sure, I asked her. She was insistent: teal, magenta, violet. Colors that I loved mixing on the palette. The moment the paint touched the palette, I knew these were the right colors.

Every feather of the Raven has been painted individually and then cut out and adhered with acid-free glue to the paper base. There are more than 325 painted paper feathers on top of an underbody of uncounted support pieces. This bird required many hours of paper-cutting. The photos show the paper layers.

About the Raven:

The Raven will be float-mounted on the background you choose, either solid white or gently painted with watercolors to match the bird's colors. She will be raised above the background paper. The foam mounting tape is acid- and lignin-free.
She has a shimmer from an iridescent powder pigment blended in with the watercolors.
Take note that on the pointed feathers on the Raven's neck and head, I intentionally let several tips separate, allowing tiny bits of white to peek out- This gives a windblown effect to these feathers, as the Raven is in flight.
Metallic gold watercolor accentuates the sunlight on the bird.
Dimensions: 7 3/4" x 10 1/4" bird on a 12" x 12" background.
Both the bird and the background are 140lb watercolor paper
Winsor & Newton Professional permanent watercolors

Whether you're a raven enthusiast or are seeking to brighten your space, "Raven's Own Colors" is for you! Symbolizing transformation and change, this unique artwork brings spirited energy to your home. What message does the Raven have for you?

Stuff to know:

The colors of this art may vary slightly from the image on your monitor's screen.
It is best to keep watercolor art out of direct or reflected sunlight.
"Raven's Own Colors" needs a deep or shadowbox-type frame, to keep the frame's glass from damaging the watercolors. (the art size is 12"x12")
For shipping, my intention is to reuse packaging material as it becomes available, although the art itself will always be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper before being placed in the package.

The purchase of this art does not entitle the purchaser to the copyrights of this image. The copyright always remains with the artist.