process as laying the paint itself . As a craftsperson , it ’ s important to her that she take great care and inspiration in every part of the piece , including the initial spark .
“ In order for a craft to be considered a fine craft there needs to be a polish to it . I want to have that in my paintings , things that look finished and high quality , with high quality materials that will last . When I ’ m doing my birds , I want them to be accurate . I go out and take my own reference photos and put everything together ; everything must look like it belongs .” An important part of the conception of a new piece is this forethought and research , learning about the subject , going into the field and finding the right bird , capturing its essence and giving it a miniature world to reside in .
“ One thing that taking my own reference photos really helps with is the access to every detail I want from the photo without having to worry about changing things . I didn ’ t start painting until I could take my own reference photos . There ’ s this learning process involved that having the camera helps with immensely . It ’ s been helpful from a lot of different standpoints .”
Sheila ’ s work offers viewers a window into a world they don ’ t often stop to notice . Her paintings , while often a bit moody or playful , ultimately serve to invite a viewer out of their day to day and into a peaceful space in nature . For each individual painting , it ’ s often the personality of her winged subject that sets the tone . “ Taking my own photos helps immensely with the personality aspect , as I spend some time interacting with the birds who are cooperative enough to allow me to capture them with my camera . I have to get fairly close to get a good detail level even with a long lens .
“ The ones that hang around for a photo session are usually quite the characters and I think that shows through in the painting because I ’ ve gotten to know this individual just a little bit .
“ Magpie ’ s Magic ”
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