This is an original paper sculpture. A brilliant red cardinal pauses on a blossom-covered branch, one curious bumblebee drifting in to investigate the flowers. It’s a fleeting scene most of us glimpse for only a second through a window — here, it’s suspended forever in hand-cut, hand-painted paper.

This isn’t a painting. Every feather, petal, and wing is individually sculpted from paper, then layered with watercolor and gouache to build the cardinal’s luminous red plumage and lifelike texture. The result is a fully three-dimensional, textured piece that lifts off the wall, with real depth and shadow. It arrives ready to hang -one-of-a-kind original paper sculpture.

Cardinal’s are long associated with vitality and joy, and this piece brings that spirit into a room with quiet, tactile presence. It rewards a second look — and a third.

10”high x 18” long x 8” deep

$4200.00

Hand cut paper, watercolor and gouache

Please click here to go to Xanadu Gallery Xanadu Studios online if you would like to purchase “A Cardinal’s Moment of Joy”.

© Melinda Fabian