Valerie Sjodin

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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:

Learn to Paint Birds, Eggs, Feathers & Nests

 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