Rose-breasted Grosbeak with Evergreen ~ "Songbirds & Friends" ~ Watercolor

This rose-breasted grosbeak watercolor captures one of the most dramatic reveals in birding. From behind, a male rose-breasted grosbeak looks like a black-and-white bird. Then it turns around and there's that chest — a triangle of pure rose-red so vivid it stops you mid-step. It's the tuxedo bird with a red boutonniere, and this painting catches it perched on an evergreen branch, red breast facing forward.

I painted this freehand on archival cotton rag paper with Kissho Gansai pigments from Kyoto. The black-and-white plumage and that striking rose breast demanded a balanced approach — precise enough for the bold markings, loose enough for the evergreen setting. Wet-on-wet mineral pigment washes built the red through layered passes that glow from within the paper. The rose-breasted grosbeak's chest triangle is one of the most startling reveals in birding — from behind, the bird looks like a black-and-white sparrow, but when it turns, that vivid rose patch stops you cold. The color comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet, and it varies in intensity between individuals. The evergreen setting in this painting provides a rich, dark backdrop that makes the rose sing.

A showstopper at a gentle price. Part of my Songbirds & Friends collection. One of a kind. Free shipping, complimentary insurance, and certificate of authenticity included. Framing options 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.

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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.

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