Time to Leave the Nest
“Time to Leave the Nest” is a reflection of that moment in time we all go through at various points in our lives. Momma bird is watching over her little baby cardinal as he is waiting his turn to fly leave the nest!
“Time to Leave the Nest” is a heartfelt narrative captured within a compact 3.5" x 3" realm. Nestled in a sleek black hexagonal frame measuring 5.25" x 4.5", this delicate piece captures a pivotal moment in the life of a young cardinal on the brink of independence.
Crafted with a blend of watercolor gouache and meticulously hand-cut paper, this piece brings to life a serene family scene. A beautiful female cardinal watches over the scene with her characteristic tan and red plumage, while her colorful bright red male cardinal (no longer a baby) sits on the nest, waiting his turn to fly. Together they are enveloped by lush green foliage, all resting against a serene blue sky that amplifies their colors with a touch of tranquility and hope.
The title, "Time to Leave the Nest," captures the essence of this moment; it's about the juncture in time when it becomes necessary to step forward into the unknown. Drawing inspiration from the universal experience of growing up—be it birds or humans—I wanted this piece to evoke the same vigilance and emotion as a mother watching her child take the first steps into school. It's a celebration of courage and the bittersweet excitement that comes with new beginnings.
Creating this three-dimensional artwork was a uniquely fulfilling process. Each feather, each leaf, was painstakingly cut and painted to convey the vibrancy and life found in nature. The intricate layering of these elements brings depth to the composition, allowing the scene to leap off the canvas in a breathtaking multi-dimensional display.
The process of bringing this narrative to life was truly a labor of love, one where every detail was molded with care to depict this picturesque slice of nature's cycle. The miniature scale offered both challenges and joy, urging me to breathe life into the smallest features and craft an intimate visual story.
This piece invites viewers to pause and reflect on their moments of transition—the times when leaving the nest brings its own unknown adventures. Whether you view this piece in person or online, I hope "Time to Leave the Nest" resonates with you, whispering the timeless story of growth, change, and the beauty of life's ever-evolving journey.
This piece is available for purchase at Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head, NC. It can be viewed on line or in person at the gallery.
"Cuddles" the Framed Orange Cat Wall Art
“Cuddles” is a framed 3D paper sculpture wall art. It arrives ready to hang on your wall. This orange cat looks comfy and cozy snuggled in his favorite teal blanket. His long three-dimensional hand cut whiskers add to the three-dimensional quality of this piece.
Introducing "Cuddles," my latest artwork that's a heartfelt tribute to comfort and tranquility, all wrapped up in the delightful form of a cat. This piece, measuring a cozy 6” x 6” x 1.25” (including the frame), is created using hand-cut paper, watercolor, and gouache—an exploration that allowed me to delve deeper into the textures and colors that underscore the beauty of our feline friends.
At the heart of "Cuddles" lies the endearing portrayal of an orange tabby cat, brought to life with intricate details and vibrant hues. The cat reclines on a soft green cloth (made from paper), its in a relaxed pose—a sweet moment of calm that speaks volumes about the serene aspects of a cat's nature. With striking green eyes gazing soulfully out of the frame, the viewer is invited into a quiet, contemplative space where the colors of the background—blue to green gradients—mirror the depth in the cat’s eyes.
The process of creating "Cuddles" held a distinct uniqueness. From selecting the perfect palette to meticulously layering the paper and applying delicate paint strokes, each step was an opportunity to infuse a touch of life into the artwork. Notice the thinly hand-cut whiskers come out of the flat paper to create a three-dimensional scene. The blanket, made out of paper, is also three dimensional, adding that cozy, comfy feeling we get when we see our favorite blanket. Each aspect of the paper sculpture, is meticulously planned to harmonize the vivid colors with the intricate details.
The framing choice—a sleek black frame—was intentional, designed to accentuate the vibrancy of the scene and draw the viewer's eye to every delicate nuance and hue. This framing further enhances the vividness of the artwork, serving as a contrasting border that invites closer examination and deeper appreciation of the textures and depths within the piece.
What inspired "Cuddles" was the universal charm of cats and their unique way of turning any space into a sanctuary of warmth and affection. There is a gentle, soothing quality found in the presence of a cat that I aimed to capture—a reminder of the quieter, harmonious moments that weave into the fabric of our everyday lives.
"Cuddles" is a celebration of these little moments of peace and the gentle companionship that cats offer. Through this artwork, I hope to evoke a sense of warmth and tranquility, inspiring viewers to find their own cozy corners of the world. Whether you're a cat lover or simply someone who appreciates the gentle artistry of nature, "Cuddles" offers a little respite, an invitation to pause and relish the serene joy it envisions.
“Cuddles” is available for purchase. Please email melinda@MelindaFabian.com for purchase information.