current work
Whoa I have bit off quite a lot with this painting… but am enjoying taking it slow so far. This is actually a collaborative piece with one of my Instagram followers who offered me a few fab reference photos like this during quarantine when I didn’t have any models. As striking as the original photo is I was a little intimidated, but after a few hours I’m feeling right at home among the palms:)
6.12.21
After the last bit of glue dried on the frames last night and I flipped this skull trio over this morning I was really struck by how I could actually see a bit of progress and improvement just between these three pieces.
I feel like in the first painting I got my form down, then in the second painting I was getting a little bit more confident with the colors, and by the third painting I had really found a lovely illuminating glow within the bone.
Okaaayy this is the last time you’ll see these skulls in their 2D format but if you’d like to get sneak peeks at all the creepy-crawleys that will be ensconced in resin with these skulls, make sure you’re checking in on my Stories on Instagram here @caleighbirdart.
8.6.2020
Now as you know folks, my works are a real time-consuming labor of love and with the whole ‘pouring resin’ ordeal I often complete a few base paintings in oil before building frames and creating the layers. What that can unfortunately mean though is that it can be months between me being able to post new finished works so today I just wanted to share two of my current works-in-progress today :)
I just finished up Kenna’s hand as well as the intricate shadow shapes cast over her chest. If you can tell the skin looks kind of weird around the shapes it’s because she is wearing a black lace top which I will be painting over the flesh tone once it is completely dry. I’ve also already painted some mushrooms on another piece of linen that will be 3D ensconced in the resin for a real cluster effect.
Plus she’s got a nose ring, glasses and rings on her fingers to add in too. I secretly love painting shiny metal!
I’m so happy with how this hand turned out with these crazy dagger-like shadows cascading down it. In a subsequent layer there will be a painted orange bird of Paradise flower being held which is casting those amazing shadows. I also finished my aerosol background using an actual fern leaf as a stencil and as a stamp. This piece will have many layers of real plant life within the ensuing clear acrylic resin layers as well as a few bug specimens I do believe.
And if you like progress shots make sure you’re tuning into my Instagram posts + Stories @caleighbirdart because I’m constantly sharing peeks from behind my easel:)
2.12.2020
Join me on the amazing Kamanaiki Ridge overlooking Kalihi Valley, HI while I talk a little about my ongoing projects and what I'm most thankful for (spoiler alerts :: a big one is you guys!!).
I've got some incredible views to share with you, and I've even added in a little bonus photo shoot I had with Jan Galvan not too long ago at the end.
Let me know what you think, should I share more of my artsy photo shoots at the ends of vlogs?
https://www.caleighbirdart.com/happy-hawaii-greeting-cards/
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originally published November 22, 2018
Wow! That happened fast!! I'm thrilled to announce that I will be having a solo show of my Bohemian Goddesses on Friday March 2nd at an art and music space called Ong King here in Honolulu. Yaaay!!
So because of there is a lot more to curating a successful show than meets the eye, I have decided to do a series here and on my YouTube channel about how to throw an art show on a budget ('cause you know that's what I'll be doing anyway! Ha!)
Here's the plan, though things may change...
So enjoy the series! I'm looking forward to continuing to make it!
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originally published February 18, 2018
'Tahnee'
The top painting is 'Tahnee', who hosts a very popular Instagram (@the_almond_aesthetic) centered on her life as a modern African American woman and is based around beauty, acceptance and empowerment. I believe her use of the #blackgirlmagic hashtag is quite apt, as she appears to be a very enlightened, almost mystical, being, and is totally gorgeous to boot.
[oil on linen, 10 x 14 inches]
'Amanda'
'Amanda' is a very talented full-time photographer (this is based off a self-portrait) from Puerto Rico who hosts a very lovingly curated Instagram page @mandasjournal showcasing her artwork and life. I admire her seemingly shy, yet confident personality and have been enjoying her quirky videos diaries on YouTube as well. I really adore the pensive expression in this image of her.
[oil on linen, 8 x 10 inches]
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originally posted: November 16, 2016
