Profitable Poultry Painting

Some of the farm-themed paintings I created last summer are hanging in the Crossings sales gallery in Zumbrota. I just learned that two of the poultry paintings sold last week! I painted this series "plein air" --outside, in front of the barn, with real-live critter models. This one is called Chicken Feather and I am especially fond of it because while I was staring at the blank canvas, wondering where to start, a rooster ran by proudly brandishing a feather (from the previous day's chicken harvest, but that didn't seem to bother him.) My chicken muse! Later, when I went to varnish and frame this painting, I discovered a tiny feather embedded in the paint--it seemed so appropriate.
The other painting that sold is "Chuck Dickens," inspired by our chicken who thought he was a duck. As an adult, Chuck has finally merged with the flock of chickens living in the coop. He must have finally gotten fed up with all the swimming the ducks and geese did.

While I was painting this series, we had a young hen, Kazoo, that was mercilessly attacked by the other chickens. After she realized I was her protector, she would come running to me whenever I came outside. While I was painting, Kazoo kept getting into my paint, so I created a fabric sling and painted with her on my hip. I am sure the neighbors driving past and glimpsing me out there painting with my chicken around my waist might think I am a bit eccentric.