Symbolism of the Egg…
“The present was an egg laid by the past that had the future inside its shell.”
~ Zora Neale Hurston (American folklorist & writer, 1903-1960)
The birds are building nests, laying eggs, enthusiastic for life itself. I marvel and am filled with wonder. The egg itself, like the seed, is a symbol of the potential of life. Back in ancient times the egg was a symbol of the universe, of creation, and in some cultures, luck wealth, and health. In Jewish tradition it symbolizes promise. In Christian tradition it is a metaphor for resurrection, immortality, and the trinity. To all it symbolizes birth, I see the egg as a symbol of hope of growth and new life.
These paintings of eggs and feathers are from the "Bird, Egg, Nest" workshop I teach. It's so much fun to teach that class because the skills are applicable to so much. Painting an egg is similar to a human head. The feather uses particular linear painting strokes to achieve the "feathery" look, the nest is layered, and builds up texture, and painting the bird relates to painting any object.
Valerie Sjodin Copyright 2011
Since this original post in 2011, I've painted many birds, eggs, feathers and nests.
So fun! Check it out:
There is something special about birds - full of wonder, flight, freedom… An egg is a symbol of hope and possibility. Feathers speak of spirituality, and nests of the nurturing comfort of home. There is also something special about being able to paint these as symbols of our personal story.Do you want to improve your painting skill while celebrating the wonder of birds? In this course you can! There are 7 step-by-step video lessons with bird themes of eggs, birds, feathers, and nests. Have fun and learn how to paint realistically and expressively with acrylics on a variety of surfaces and backgrounds: watercolor sheet/journal, wood board or canvas, sheet music (thin paper.)COURSE OUTLINE:
Welcome and Intro
What about color, paint and brushes?Preparing to paint & making an accordion journal
Drawing & Painting Eggs
Symbolism of the egg & drawing the eggPainting eggs
Sketching & Painting Feathers
Symbolism of feathersPainting feathers
Sketching & Painting a Bird
Symbolism of birds & where to find photo referencePainting the bird with acrylics
Sketching & Painting a Nest with Eggs
Symbolism of the nestPainting the nestLettering title of the accordion journal
Painting a personalized nest on canvas
Personalizing & painting your nest to reflect your season in life
Painting a hummingbird
Painting a hummingbird & personalizing your painting with flower photo
Painting a Songbird on Music Sheet Background
Preparing sheet music to paint onPainting sparrows onto music
Bonus!
2 ways of adhering paper paintings to wood cradle boards for finished artwork ready to hang.
Special Features!
3 audio bird stories and inspirational quotes and Scripture
Where to find photo reference of birds to paint from
Inspiration for making art personally meaningful
8 Downloadable PDFs:— Photo reference of the projects in the course (except an egg)— Eggs template— Sheet music for background
Group interaction within course with ability to upload photos of your Bird themed art and comments