"Murmuration at Sunset" 5'x8'x1.5" Acryclic on Canvas
by: Tif Sheppard
I'm fascinated with murmurations. So much so that I decided to paint one... on a monster sized canvas. Well 2 monster sized canvases to be exact! The total size of this baby is 5'x8'... but with the spacing it's more like 8.5 feet tall by 5 feet wide.
For months & months I had it in my head that I would someday try to paint this magnificent swarm of energy. The idea of the birds connecting as a "group soul" or collective thinking amazes me.....leaves me breathless & brings me peace at the same time. So a few weeks ago I decided to tackle my idea & just see what happens. Now the finished piece hangs above our staircase and I see it every day I walk down them. It's also on our west facing wall, so it's perfect to always see the sunset, anytime of day. The tree in the painting was inspired from my parents backyard. They have the most beautiful sunsets in Morning Sun, IA & I just remember when I was a little girl sitting out on the back brick patio. I would just stare at the bright orange and pink skies, with the outline of the black skeleton tree & be in awe.
For those of you who aren't sure what a murm is it is a collection of starlings who fly at dusk. Check out this video:
Interesting article on the biology of this behavior: Audubon
