I have really been enjoying working on this series of decorative illustrations and textile designs, it has been a nice break from my usual dark, moody work! This group began as a simple bird illustration, I was going to use various song birds but as I worked it out I had the inspiration to put love birds on a swing together. I think it is so touching that love birds mate for life, they seemed like the perfect subject matter at this time of year with Valentine's Day approaching. Once I painted them I fell in love with the colors and decided to make the whole thing about love birds. I used a pink ground which is unusual for me but it seemed perfect for the aqua, mint, butter and melon in the birds. The two pieces above are available as prints and notecards in my The Curious Kitchen shop on Etsy.

My new Etsy shop The Curious Kitchen has been slowly coming along. I admit that I neglected it a bit during the holiday season but am happy to say I am now giving it my full attention! This shop features more decorative prints of paintings done in gouache on paper that reflect my love of vintage illustration and collectibles. Here are some new additions:

These two parrot portraits were adapted from a textile design of mine. I never tire of painting parrots, I find them to have the most expressive faces and of course the most beautiful colors!

These four rooster prints were also adapted from one of my textile designs. I think roosters are so cheery.My Mother had decorative rooster trivets hanging in our kitchen back in South Philly and I think that must be what inspired me. More of my textile designs can now be seen on my website lisazador.com.