I just finished a new series that I’ll be entering in an upcoming art show at Climate Gallery in Long Island City in April. It’s a small works show and I decided to deliver small pieces with a lot of punch through bright color and strong abstract shapes.
As I started doodlingthe shapes, they eventually came together in the shape of a bird that eventually began to resemble a rooster. I had no intention of drawing a rooster (While I would never deny my Midwest roots and that there is a farm right next door to my parents home in Michigan) but it seemed to come alive and hues of red, orange and gold popped into my mind. Soon “El Gallo” was born.
"El Gallo" by Jaimee Todd
The next piece, “Black Swan”, was inspired by a trip to London several years ago on a study abroad trip. I never even knew black swans existed until I saw them gliding gracefully around in the pond at Regents Park. I decided I wanted to capture the grace and mystery of these beautiful birds in an abstracted form, continuing the segmented style of “El Gallo”.
"Black Swan" by Jaimee Todd
After these two, I knew I wanted to do a painting of a hummingbird. I always loved they energy and spontaneity they seemed to evoke and was also inspired by a Nazca inspired necklace charm that I have. The trick was trying to figure out to make such a small bird seem as magnificent as its two larger counterparts on a small space. After many re-draws and re-dos , I managed to bring “The Hummingbird” to life.
"Hummingbird" by Jaimee Todd
For those of you in the New York area, you’ll seen be able these birds in the flesh in April at Climate Gallery. More details to come!
