Male Northern Cardinal on Lichen and Mossy Log

September 29, 2026 

I just finished a little painting of a a male cardinal. I started with a pencil sketch while watching a painting demonstration by Adam Clague in the Art Journey class.

Then I sketched the cardinal on a 5"x7" on a toned linen panel and began filling in the shapes with thinned down Earth Red oil paint.

Then I began blocking in some of the colors with oil washes.

With thicker paint I continued to add color. I felt that I needed to establish a background to see how the colors in the cardinal would look.

I came back with more layers and, letting the painting dry over a few days and continuing to add details to the bird and the lichen and moss covered log. I also decided to make the background color more neutral. 

Here is the final, signed painting. Once it is dry I will varnish it and frame it. And now I'm on to another painting of a cardinal!