Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Delicate Balance ~ "Songbirds & Friends" ~ Watercolor

This hummingbird watercolor painting captures two ruby-throated hummingbirds in one of those impossible, fleeting moments — suspended in midair, facing each other in what feels like a silent conversation. I called it "Delicate Balance" because that's what hummingbirds are: miracles of equilibrium, wings beating fifty times a second to hold perfectly still.

Painting hummingbirds freehand is a particular challenge. Their iridescence shifts with every angle, and the colors need to feel like light, not pigment. I used my handmade Gansai pigments from Kyoto to build the ruby throats in layered washes — the natural mineral pigments create that internal glow you see in real hummingbird feathers. The greens and violets of the body emerged through the wet-on-wet process, each color bleeding into the next the way iridescence does in life.

This original is part of my Songbirds & Friends collection, painted on archival cotton rag paper in a single session with no preliminary sketch. The composition came naturally — two birds, balanced, each reflecting the other. It's one of those paintings where the birds decided how they wanted to appear, and I just followed.

Free shipping on all originals. "Delicate Balance" works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, and quiet spaces where its intimate energy can be appreciated. One of a kind — once it finds its home, it's gone. Archival giclée prints of select works are available for a more accessible option.

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.