American Goldfinches Summer Joy ~ "Songbirds & Friends" ~ Watercolor

This goldfinch watercolor painting is pure sunshine on paper. "Summer Joy" captures a pair of American goldfinches at their most vibrant — that electric yellow they wear from May through September, set against a backdrop of blooming flowers that seem to celebrate alongside them. Goldfinches have an infectious energy. They bounce through the garden like they're laughing, and I wanted this painting to feel exactly that joyful.

I painted this piece freehand using my Kissho Gansai pigments from Kyoto, working wet-on-wet to build the intense yellows and deep blacks of goldfinch plumage. The botanical elements grew organically around the birds during the painting session — I don't pre-plan compositions. I let the birds tell me where the flowers belong. It's a conversation between my brush and the paper, and "Summer Joy" is one of those pieces where everything came together in a single, uninterrupted flow.

This original watercolor is part of my Songbirds & Friends collection, which celebrates the garden birds that bring color and music to our everyday lives. It's painted on archival cotton rag paper and is one of a kind.

Free shipping on all original artwork. "Summer Joy" is one of those paintings that transforms the room it hangs in — kitchens, sunrooms, and living rooms all benefit from its warm, radiant energy. Archival giclée prints of select Songbirds & Friends works are also available.

Materials:  Each watercolor original is unique, the only one of its kind. Created on 300lb Arches Watercolor Paper with Japanese Sumi-é watercolor paint designed to last a lifetime.

Framing: Each piece is elegantly presented with light grey matting in a handmade wooden frame with a grey-washed finish. UV plexiglass and archival materials ensure long-lasting preservation. Crafted with care, our frames are 1.5" deep and handcrafted from solid wood by our trusted local framer.

Additional questions? Please see the FAQ

Cost: Shipping is FREE for all original works up to approx. 30x40". For large artwork, we cover the first $500 in shipping costs; please email us your zip code for a quote.

Packaging: All originals are shipped flat (not rolled). For work larger than 30x40", though our boxes are plastic-reinforced, you have a choice of wood crating to ensure safe transport for an additional fee.

Schedule: Unframed work ships within 1-2 weeks, while framed pieces require 2-3 weeks for delivery. Crated and oversized works may take 4-6 weeks. If your order is time-sensitive, please leave us a note during checkout and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

International: For international shipping, please contact us directly before ordering. Provide the items you are interested in and your shipping address so we can estimate the cost and any constraints.

Insurance: We provide complimentary shipping insurance for all orders. In the event that your item arrives damaged, please document it with pictures and notify us immediately so we can initiate a claim on your behalf.