Red Winged Blackbirds ~ "The Return Of Spring" ~ "Songbirds & Friends" ~ Watercolor

This red-winged blackbird watercolor painting marks the moment winter breaks. "The Return Of Spring" captures red-winged blackbirds in their iconic posture — shoulder epaulets blazing scarlet and gold against jet-black plumage, beaks open in that unmistakable territorial song that announces spring has arrived. For anyone who watches birds, hearing a red-winged blackbird is the true first day of the new season.

I painted this piece freehand on archival cotton rag paper using Kissho Gansai watercolors from Kyoto. The contrast between the deep black of the body and the vivid red of the epaulets demanded pigments that could hold both intensity and nuance — the Gansai reds are made from natural mineral ingredients that glow from within the paper. Working wet-on-wet, I let the botanical elements emerge around the birds organically, creating a composition that feels discovered rather than arranged.

This is one of the larger and more commanding pieces in my Songbirds & Friends collection. While most songbird paintings are intimate in scale, "The Return Of Spring" has the presence of my Oh, to Fly! work — it commands wall space. My classical training at the New York Academy of Art gives these birds their anatomical truth, while the East-meets-West technique gives them their spirit. Red-winged blackbirds are among the most abundant birds in North America — over 200 million of them — yet their spring display never fails to stop me in my tracks. The sheer volume of their territorial chorus, rising from every marsh and field edge, is the sound of renewal. One of a kind. A signature piece for collectors who want the emotional warmth of songbirds at a scale that anchors a room. Framing options available. Free shipping and complimentary insurance on all originals. Certificate of authenticity included.

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.

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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.