Arbutus Trinity

The image started with a very loose background where the paint was thinned and scrubbed. The pigeon and the trees were painted so that they were reaching for each other creating a sense of both tension and balance. The trees are red against the greenish background while the pigeon is green against red. Both are complimentary colour combinations to create a more dynamic relationship.

I found and rescued a young chick pigeon when it's mother had been killed. This bird became my friend at a time when I was new to an area and lonely. The pigeon also becomes a symbol off freedom. The grove of arbutus trees form a trinity that the bird is interacting with.

Oil on canvas, 30"x40".