Golden-crowned Kinglet and Rhododendron

Because of the way the continents line up and the way they separated years ago, there are many plants and animals common to America and Europe. In fact, the farther north one goes, the more one finds in common. This scene could take place in northwestern Europe or the northeastern United States.

The rhododendron is found in many parts of the world. I have seen them in the Himalayas looking like massive trees covered with bunches of roses. It seems to me that where-ever they grow, it is beautiful country. I would expect them in hilly areas, often with rock outcrop. There would be enough rain to give lushness to the landscape, but at the same time there is a usually a cool, clean quality. Surrounding a small lake in England, these rhododendrons were so heavily laden with blossoms that some of the branches dipped down into the water.

The golden-crowned kinglet is called the firecrest in Europe. Both male and female have a splash of bright vermilion down the centre. They are so tiny that they seem like a little flower themselves except that they bounce about from twig to twig in an energetic manner.

In this work, I wanted to show the diminutive quality of the bird by subordinating it to the blossoms. Although the images have a delicate, feminine look, I was also intrigued by the abstract power created by the shapes in the reflections.

ALSO "This bird and this flower were chosen by me because I was commissioned to do a painting for Princess Grace of Monaco. I knew that she was fond of flowers and birds so I picked species that were found both in the Philadelphia area where Grace Kelly came from as well as the Monaco area of Europe. My wife, Birgit, and I had a memorable audience with the princess in the palace. She was most gracious with the aura of a true princess. And she happened to be wearing a suit the colour of the rhododendron - we still keep in touch with her family through her son Albert."