"Young Gold Finch Study" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on board, detail of a large commissioned painting in progress.
I have been busy with many projects, a large commission of a bird and sunflower painting, among others.
This detail shows one of the juvenile Gold Finches, the colors in his plumage not quite developed enough to tell if it is a male or female.
To view more of my paintings, please check my web site or my painting blog.

"Gold Finch Study" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on Gessobord, 8" x 8", $175.-
A small Gold Finch painting in preparation for a larger commissioned piece.
I took the reference photo for this painting last August in our Sunflower patch. The Gold Finches visit every August in large flocks to feast and to teach their young ones how to pick the seeds while perching on top of the large flowers. It is quite a spectacle.
To view more of my paintings, please click here for my web site, or here for my painting blog.

"Trail Ridge Crow" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on canvas, 10" x 8", $325.-
Two of my bird paintings have been selected to participate in the "Capistrano Returns" show at Rabid Rabits Galeria in Longmont.
This beautiful show features an eclectic selection of bird art and runs through April 28th. Opening reception is today, from 10-3, 530 Kimbark Street, 1 block east of Main Street in Longmont.
Click here to check out the gallery web site, or here to see my web site.

"Hello There!"

Oil on panel, 6" x 6", $125.-
A large flock of sparrows returned to our yard a couple of weeks ago. I can hear their happy chatter most mornings, a sure sign that spring is just around the corner!
I enjoyed working on a large commission during the past 4 weeks. Now I am glad to be able to work on some smaller, more spontaneous, paintings and studies again.
To view more of my paintings, click here for my web site, or here for my painting blog.

"Steller's Jay #2" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on Gessobord, 10" x 8", $ 275.-
Another bird painting for the upcoming "Solstice Holiday Show" at the Boulder Public Library, opening next weekend at the Canyon Gallery. Thank you again to Cal and Cheryl Whitehall for the beautiful reference photo.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site or my painting blog.

"Steller's Jay" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on Gessobord, 7" x 5", $ 150.-
I have had fun painting birds and flowers this past week in preparation for 2 upcoming shows. Thank you to my friends Cal and Cheryl Whitehall for letting me use the photograph of this beautiful bird!
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site or my painting blog.

"Chickadee and Quince" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on archival board, 6" x 6", $125.-
I painted this little chickadee this weekend while working at our gallery, the Art Center of Estes Park. It is always fun to work on a small painting while staffing the gallery. Patrons love to see art in progress, and to learn about the process.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site or my painting blog.

"Now You See Me" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on linen panel, 8" x 8",$225.-, framed.
Still watching, photographing and painting the goldfinches during their annual visit and feast in our sunflowers. It is a beautiful and fascinating spectacle as the young goldfinches accompany the adults and gradually learn to feed themselves while swaying on top of the large flowers.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site or my painting blog.

"Chickadee with Cherryblossoms" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on archival board, 6"x 6", $125.-
I guess it's bird week at my studio! I do love these amazing creatures. I admire their beauty, grace and resilience!
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site or my painting blog.

"American Goldfinch" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on archival board, 7" x 5", $125.-
The Goldfinches have returned to our yard for their annual feast on our red sunflowers.
I was lucky enough to get a photo of this little guy yesterday morning, and had to paint him right away. I do enjoy watching these beautiful birds as they perform their acrobatics, swaying on top of the heavy sunflower blossoms to extract the seeds. It takes the young goldfinches a few days to learn this skill, under loud protest, since it is so much easier to be fed by their parents.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site or my painting blog.

"House Finch" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on archival board, 7" x 5", $95.-
This little guy was sitting in our Ash tree last week. One of many finches that inhabit our yard. The young finches have left their nests and are learning (under loud protest, directed at their tired parents) to feed themselves. The first Goldfinches are arriving also, to feast on the Sunflowers.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site or my painting blog.

"Magpie #3" by Astrid Paustian

oil on canvas panel, 9" x 12", $325.-
The third one in my Magpie series. I do like these intelligent and graceful birds.
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site, or my painting blog.

"Out on a Limb 1 and 2" by Astrid Paustian

Watercolor, 12" x 9", $225.-

Oil on canvas panel, 12" x 9", $325.-
My friend Tom Weeks, gifted photographer from Boulder, Colorado, generously allowed me to paint his new owl photo, taken last week. This young owl hatched in late March, and is looking out into the new world.
I tried both, an oil and a watercolor version, these past 2 days, fascinated by the expressive face in a "bundle of fluff".
To view more of my paintings, please visit my web site or my painting blog.

"Northern Flicker" by Astrid Paustian

Oil on canvas panel, 10" x 8 ", $275.-
Spring is in full swing in our back yard and the bird bath is a busy attraction for all kinds of birds. The resident pair of Northern Flickers is looking for a new nesting place since we had to cut down the old and ailing willow tree last winter. I do hope they find a suitable home.
I love observing and painting birds, always impressed by their beauty and resilience.
To see more of my bird and flower paintings, please visit the Art Center of Estes Park, or check out my web site.