Beautiful Oops

I was guided by the beautiful oops ink splotch that I chose. I thought it looked like the head of a chick, so this led me to create a scene of a robin family in their nest. Through this piece, I wanted to capture the care and sweet connection between the parent birds and their chicks. Themes like protection and nurturing influence this piece.  I wanted to create an artwork that brings attention to a quiet, unnoticeable, but cute moment in life. 

To create this, I chose gouache paint on watercolor paper because its vibrant and thick quality allows for bright colors and more intricate textures of birds' feathers and the nest. With this paper and material, I was able to form a smooth texture for a background while also including sharp details. This ability helped convey the softness of the baby birds and the roughness of the nest. These materials also help portray the natural feel of the scene.  

This process began by selecting an ink splotch. I then brainstormed different ideas and settled on a robin's nest for the scene. I composed this piece with the nest as the center, focused on the interaction of the birds with the mother feeding its chicks. Using this medium of gouache allowed me to build up layers of color and create depth. I was able to highlight the bright orange color of the robins and the brown and black colors of the nest and branch. Overall, I aimed to create a realistic but also whimsical piece.