Grace Swanson

Charm of Finches:

The Evolution of an Art Series

 Summer 2009

     My series Charm of Finches refers not only to the collective noun for a group of finches, but also to their boisterous and charismatic personality.  I was moved to paint birds after a recent trip to the Galapagos Islands. 

     Inspired by Darwin’s drawings, I began studying finches, specifically Zebra Finches. These cheerful birds are ubiquitous in pet store aviaries hopping energetically from perch to perch, tossing  millet seeds, and raucously enjoying each other’s company. 

     The resulting series includes pencil studies and acrylic paintings, each building on the last.  Earlier paintings reflect an emphasis on color and line, while gradually attention is drawn to the delicate details of the birds.

     What struck me was how the artist’s creative process is its own evolution, especially when tackling a new subject, style or materials.  Darwin’s theory that nature evolves and diversifies through a process of natural selection could be applied to a painting series.  As I finished each painting, the next was developed with more insight into the subject, moving towards a new and more favorable approach. 

Charm of Finches, acrylic on canvas