The Northern Cardinals

This work of art was inspired by my grandpa and uncle who both passed away. I was told that The Northern Cardinal is to represent loved ones who have passed away. They are supposed to be their angels looking down on you. The one on the first branch in representing my grandpa and the second one on the lower branch is supposed to represent my uncle. 

I started by outlining the branches and the birds and other details on the drawing. Then I used a variety of colors to make it as real as possible. After I was done coloring the main things I started on the background. I used a light blue for the top then I did a darker blue with purple on top of that in the middle and then on the bottom, I did just purple. After everything was all colored I blended everything out with a white colored pencil.

The most difficult part of this was the birds. I wanted them to look as real as possible. But I just drew them with a pencil to make sure they were perfect. Then I outlined them with pen and then I colored them. But if I had to change one thing, I would make the birds and branches larger. I would do that so they would pop out just a little bit more.

This artwork is realistic. They are both Northern Cardinals. But they hold a much deeper meaning. They represent my grandpa and uncle as angels looking over me. So at first glance, they look at birds but if you know, then you know they're not just birds.