We are used to seeing birds high above us flying majestically through the air, calling to each other from tree to tree, or lined up on telephone wires like notes on a staff. This piece is a memorial to those who have taken their last flight and gone on to the next place - an homage to nature and the fragility of all living creatures great and small.

I chose to include the Song Sparrow in this piece because to some, the sparrow is only a "common" bird. They're not loved like domesticated birds - they are often passed off as being plain, or even ugly, because they are not colorful and there are so many of them. But I wonder if these people have ever taken a close look at how beautiful the sparrow really is, or listened to their song. They all have their purpose for being on this earth, just as we all do. So this is for those little souls who have no one to mourn them when they're gone.

This was done using artist-quality Golden and Windsor-Newton acrylic paints on 1-1/2" gallery-wrapped canvas. I have embellished it with a photo image of a rose - the stem is painted, a stamp from the early 1900's, pieces of paper from the trash, and bits of tin foil. I started with layers of thin paint, laying the lighter colors down first. Over those I applied heavier layers that I mixed using various hues. When those were completely dry I sanded areas to give it a weathered look. I added highlights and shadows using pastel and charcoal. The sides are painted black so there is no need for framing. It is signed, ready to hang, and will come with a signed Certificate of Authenticity upon request. Please email if you are interested in purchasing this piece: shawnmarie1961@gmail.com