Children’s art is the best. They are imaginative, creative and unconstrained by what’s “real”. If you’re like me, you’ve saved your children’s drawings and now they are sitting in a box somewhere in the house. Why not have one of your favorites turned into a painted keepsake for you, your child or your grandchild? Li’l Birds is kid-inspired art for kids and the people who love them.
My son and daughter-in-law recently bought a second home in Arizona. The home is an opportunity to be closer to family, and enjoy a change of scenery from the Pacific Northwest, which is where they reside full-time. I wanted to paint something for their desert home, and what’s better than a giant saguaro? Of course, I had to continue the fun and paint something for my little granddaughter who LOVES cats. So, what’s better than a giant saguaro? A whole garden of cat cacti!
There’s nothing like welcoming a new granddaughter with a personalized piece of art. She was born in December 2018, and her name was not revealed until after her birth. I had my work cut out for me to finish these canvas blocks before our first visit. I love using imagery from children’s art, so I borrowed from this portrait of a past family dog that was done by my son (my grandchild’s father) when he was about six. The elements of nature were perfect for a little girl with a name that evokes sunshine, flowers, and busy little bees.
I love this portrait of Jessi, our Rhodesian Ridgeback, created many years ago. I love how my son captured the ridge on her back, but contrary to how depicted, she never bared her teeth!
My son’s original art from a young age in elementary school became my inspiration for another “li’l birds” project. The original is construction paper collage and incidentally, hung over my desk at work for years. I often told colleagues that it was a depiction of me behind my desk reacting to a typical day’s work.
“I’m Only Human” is designed to be art you can touch. It’s an interactive piece made from canvas panels, acrylic paint, metal, wood, and magnets. Four small canvas panels are meant to be removed from the background and placed in positions favored by the viewer.
The background was painted on a thin piece of sheet metal and framed in a custom built frame. The background was drawn on a larger scale to look like the background in the original. The four 6×6-inch canvas panels were painted to resemble the original true to size, except in four separate pieces.
The canvas panels were mounted on wood (stained to match the frame) and small magnets were attached.
The four small panels can be placed anywhere on the metal background.
The finished piece is now hangs on a wall waiting for the next person to walk by and create a new arrangement.
Acrylic on canvas & metal, 33×12
Two blue eggs and an owl that’s taking her job very seriously. Or…maybe the eggs aren’t hers and she’s thinking about making an omelette. Inspired by a child’s drawing, this keepsake painting tells as many stories as leaves on the trees.
Acrylic on canvas, 12×9
We’re never satisfied are we? Plenty of coconuts on the ground, but the best, and most longed for, are still on the tree! This fanciful giraffe was originally created by a child, and then reinterpreted into a keepsake painting.
Acrylic on canvas, 12×9
“Snake Glass” is another interpretation of a child’s art project. I divided this incredible mosaic snake into three parts on separate gallery-wrapped canvases. The finished piece can be hung any number of ways: horizontally, vertically, all in a row, one above the other, wrapped around a corner. The possibilities are as endless as the colors and patterns in this snake. Children love to see their artwork displayed. My “Li’l Birds” are novel interpretations of children’s art, perfect for keepsakes and gifts. Contact me if interested in having your child’s art recreated in this special way.
The title for this painting is Portuguese for Turtle Life. This painting is another “Li’l Birds”, based on a child’s drawing. I was able to use my imagination with the color; and lots of subtle shading give it a three-dimensional effect. Repeating the turtle four times adds movement down this 36″ x 12″ canvas.
Children have such wonderful imaginations! They are natural artists, often without preconceived notions about their subject matter. I created this fish painting based on a child’s artwork.
I tried to stay true to color and shape, while adding subtle shading and a few enhanced details to create a fine art piece. I used acrylic on 18″ x 24″ canvas.
I’ve been persuaded to explore more of these interpretations of children’s art. I’m calling them my “Li’l Birds”.