In 2014, I spent several months studying how changing light and seasons affect a scene, painting this same bird feeder in summer, winter and autumn. The experience taught me a great deal about light and color and helped shape the way I paint today.

In this autumn version, the cool grays and blues of the Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch and Blue Jay contrast with the warm autumn light and leaves. The Nuthatch and Blue Jay also remind me of my grandmother. I first discovered Nuthatches at her home, and one year Blue Jays nested in her apple tree. Curious, I climbed up for a closer look—only to have the protective parents aggressively encourage me to leave!

This is the original painting, so there is only one. It is painted in acrylic on a 1½" gallery-wrapped canvas and measures 16" × 20". The image continues around the painted edges for a finished look, so no framing is required unless you prefer a framed presentation.