A Friend for All Seasons
I've always had a soft spot for birds. I've been photographing birds for over fifteen years and I'm lucky enough to enjoy an incredible variety of them right outside my door.
On any given day, I might spot a bald eagle soaring overhead, a hawk perched nearby, or a heron going about its business. And then there are the adorable little juncos and goldfinches that I never get tired of watching.
So, it probably won't surprise you that birds have found their way into my artwork over the years.
And recently, one little bird turned into a whole collection!
It All Started with One Little Bird
The funny thing about my newest mini-series, A Friend for All Seasons, is that I never actually set out to create a collection.
I sat down at my art table to work on a project for the mixed media art book I'm writing.
That was it. One project.
I played with different materials, built up layers, added some colorful details, and eventually ended up with the cutest little bird. I loved how she turned out, especially with the word Smile tucked into the artwork. It added the perfect bit if encouragement and joy to the finished piece.
And when I finished, I couldn't help thinking how adorable she'd look with a few friends.
Well, y'all know how that goes!
One little idea turns into another, and suddenly the project you sat down to create has grown into something entirely different. Before I knew it, I was planning three more birds, one for each of the remaining seasons. And just like that, A Friend for All Seasons was born!
One Little Bird Becomes Four
One of the things I enjoyed most about creating this series was having the freedom to experiment. I wasn't trying to make four identical paintings. I wanted them to belong together, but I also wanted each one to be interesting on its own. So, I played with different techniques, changed up the colors, added layers, and followed whatever ideas caught my attention along the way.
Some of my favorite details are the little ones. A bit of pattern peeking through the paint. A few colorful dots. A scribbled line. A scrap of washi tape that somehow pulls everything together.
Those are the things I love discovering as I work. They're also why I enjoy photographing my artwork as it develops. When I look back through the progress pictures, I can see how much each piece changed from beginning to end. Sometimes those early layers look nothing like the finished painting!
Winter
Winter was where the whole adventure began. With her round little body, dark feathers, and soft, earthy colors, this little bird has a sweet, quiet charm.
I surrounded her with layers of collage, subtle patterns, touches of green, and little pops of red. I loved how all those different materials and marks came together to create something so full of personality.
There's a lot happening in the background when you look closely, but the bird is still the star of the show. And I think that's part of what made me want to keep going.
Spring
For spring, I wanted to explore a different combination of colors and textures. There is lovely mix of blues, warm yellows, floral details, and playful marks surrounding her little bird.
I especially enjoy how the collage elements peek through the layers, adding little surprises wherever you look.
Although the basic process was similar to winter, the techniques and colors gave this painting a personality all its own.
Summer
Summer called for something bright and cheerful! Full of lively color, with bold orange flowers, fresh greens, touches of pink and purple, and plenty of playful little details.
There's something about this combination that makes me smile.
And I love how the different patterns, papers, and marks all find a way to work together. It's one of my favorite things about mixed media. You can bring together materials that might seem completely unrelated and discover something wonderful in the process.
Autumn
And finally, we have autumn. My favorite season!
This little bird's soft yellow coloring works beautifully with the warm oranges, lovely blues, and floral details surrounding her. And I love how all those colorful layers, playful marks, and patterns give the painting so much personality.
By the time I finished this last piece, what began as one simple art book project had become a complete four-piece collection.
[Photo suggestion: Autumn progress photographs followed by the finished painting.]
From One Little Bird to Four
What started as one little bird turned into something I hadn't planned, and that's one of the things I enjoy most about spending time at my art table.
You never really know where a creative idea might lead.
Sometimes you have a plan and follow it from beginning to end. Other times, you start with one little bird and discover she needs three friends!
And now, instead of a single piece, I have four colorful little companions celebrating the seasons that I love!
Four little birds, each with her own personality, brought together through layers of color, texture, and a whole lot of creative play.
I'm so glad I followed that unexpected idea!
Hi, I’m Misty
Mixed media artist, creative guide, and passionate believer in the power of fearless self-expression. After years of playing small and settling for a life that didn’t feel like mine, I chose to rewrite my story through art — and I’ve never looked back.
Now, I help women just like you break free from perfectionism and self-doubt so you can reconnect with your creative voice and boldly explore what lights you up. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after years away, my mission is to help you step bravely into your own magic — one joyful, messy layer at a time.
Let’s create a life (and art) you absolutely adore. 💙
If you’d like to explore mixed media with me, explore ways we can work together here.