Symbolism Of A Feather

A New Painting By Sharon Girdwood

Here is my latest painting.
Morning Reflection
Completed October 30th 2009.
Copyright Sharon Girdwood
Original Acrylic on canvas 12" x 36"

Adventures of a Wildlife Artist

1,2,3 and Ya!
White Water is so much fun!

Yup! This is what I used to do when I was a white-water canoe guide! Lots of fun! I saw many places in Canada and the U.S. that few have ever seen . Remote areas is what I love most... even now! It's not surprising that I have two knee replacements at my young age of 47. Needless to say, I don't solo whitewater any more but I still get out with a partner. Knee replacements don't stop me from getting "out there". I often get out in my canoe or 4-wheeler to get my resource material for my artwork.

Update on Hooo can give me a new home

The Owl is now sold.

Hoooo can give me a good home?

This painting was fun to do!

It's an Original on canvas and the size is 8" x 8".

Completion Date was October 21st 2009.

Woooo can give me a new home?

Contact me (Sharon) at www.hiddenwildlifeart.com

Did You Know?

Did you know?

• Sharon Girdwood was a full time whitewater canoe guide for 12 years. She traveled much of Canada guiding clients down rivers such as the Nahanni River in the North West Territories. She holds her level 3 whitewater instructors certificate and is fully qualified to teach whitewater canoeing. When working full time as a canoeist she would travel approximately 2000 km a year in her canoe.
• Sharon is a self taught artist never taking any courses or schooling. She works from her heart and soul to produce her artwork.
• Sharon is a Metis Artist.
• Sharon has won many awards through Ducks Unlimited here in Canada and the U.S.
• Sharon Works full time at her artwork and does not have any other sources of income.
• Sharon also does many other crafts such as basket making, beading, sculpting, finger weaving.
• Sharon is also very musical and plays guitar and bass guitar. Through CKBY radio station in Ottawa she placed first in a music competition and won a trip to Nashville with her musical talent. Through the years she played in several Country and Rock bands.
• Sharon has two children. A boy now 23 and a girl 22. She loves them both dearly.
• Sharon's husband works full time at home making all her frames for her artwork.

FOR YOU TO VIEW!

In some native traditions a feather is the most honored gift!

Here you will see some of Sharon Girdwood's painted feathers. Please stop by her website sometime and choose one for yourself. High quality, hand crafted, and truly a Canadian product.

Sharon is a Metis artist who is gaining international recognition for her finely detailed artwork. Thank you to all who watch and leave comments.

Feather Painting----New Images

Here are the two newest painted feathers I have created. They are now available on my website.

The first is of a canoe at a lake edge. With all the canoeing I have done through the years I thought it was time to design a feather that depicts the time spent on the water. This painting looks great at the cottage!

The second feather is a new addition to my wildlife eyes series. I believe the true spirit of an animal or bird can be felt by looking them in the eye. To get my resource material some times I have to get up close in order to photograph them. This is a hard thing to do but sometimes I get lucky.

The making of painted feathers.

Here is a behind the scenes look at how Sharon paints feathers and then has her husband frame each piece. I published this video for the first page of my web site. I love doing little projects like making video and editing them. It gives my web site a nice updated look too!
I hope you all enjoy this video.

Winnie's Hometown Feataval

I am just back from displaying my artwork at White River's "Winnie's Hometown festival" held August 14-15-16 2009. This small town sure knows how to put on a celebration. It certainly was a good time and I enjoyed meeting everyone in White River.

Each year, the Festival presents a new theme, sure to add to the fun-filled event. Past themes have included "Winnie Looks to the Future", "Winnie Goes to Vegas", and "Winnie Goes Hawaiian". A parade, trade show, dance, arts and crafts show, fireworks display, games and competitions, and superb entertainment are all a part of the weekend festival. Don't miss next years! You are sure to have a "honey" of a time!

Thank you to all who supported me and my artwork!

Sharon Girdwood

Exploring the ghost town of Jack Fish

The only way into the old Town of Jack Fish is on an old rugged road through the bush. I chose to take the 4-wheeler in that day. This little one day trip was lots of fun. My daughter Kendra and I spent the day reminiscing the past of this old coal town. We walked through many old dilapidated buildings and picked up remnants of coal and broken pottery along the beach. We also explored the many old broken down vehicles left behind. The town once was prosperous but the changing world had no room for the coal industry and people had to move on. One could feel the disappointment of the people having to leave their homes behind. Now the town is being reclaimed back to nature covering some of the evidence of this once bustling town but there is still lots to see!

About my feather paintings

Each of my original creations are hand painted on a supremely unforgiving medium ---- a bird feather!
Each feather presents its own challenge of expression and because no two feathers behave the same way when being painted, I find the challenge of using a feather as my canvas exhilarating. My work is recognizable by the depth and intricate detail of the images. Unlike many paintings, which are best viewed from a distance, these intricate pieces are best viewed up close and personal. The completed feather painting is then framed under glass to protect its delicate beauty.