This was the first bird we saw after moving to the river. These birds are quiet. They are patient and still. They can stay in one spot without moving for long stretches of time. Their stillness hides them. Our human eyes are drawn to movement. Stillness acts as a type of camouflage for these birds. They are tall and somewhat majestic and very proud. They hang out in swampy areas and yet it does not seem to diminish their commanding presence and beauty.

There is a lot I love about this painting, but there are two things I would change. The bird takes up far too much of my canvas and if I would do it over I would make it less. My style is large but it feels loud and overwhelming. Another change would be the background. The reason I chose burnt orange is becasue I took this photo in the fall the foliage was browns and oranges. I decided to blur the background rather than paint it in detail so the focus was the bird. but again the painting shouts at me , not exactly what I want.

what I love about this painting is the contrast in darks and lights, I like the birch trees he is resting on and the sharp edges of his feathers!

As much as we romanticize—and want to believe—that beauty comes solely from light, we are mistaken when we cling to such shallow ideas. In both the art world and my personal life, it is darkness that gives beauty its depth, its mystery, and ultimately allows light to reach its fullest potential.

Is this blasphemy? I don’t believe so. I have no intention of denying the power, purity, or exquisite nature of light. Rather, I seek to suggest something deeper: beauty requires balance. Light and dark are not enemies. And more often than not, beauty begins in darkness.

This truth is not only artistic—it is sacred. In the beginning, the earth was formless and full of darkness, and God brought forth the light. He did not erase the darkness; He infused it with light. He preserved what was necessary for the world to exist in fullness. Darkness was not a flaw to be corrected, but a foundation to be transformed. 

The same is true in art.

Darkness gives form to light. Shadow creates dimension. Contrast reveals truth. Without darkness, light has nothing to speak against—and nothing to illuminate.

Artist Tip: When painting, begin with your darkest colors and shapes. Let them establish the structure and emotional weight of the piece. From there, introduce light intentionally. This approach creates richer depth, stronger dimension, and a more honest visual story. Your final work will feel grounded, alive, and true.  

Oil on wood

Photo and Painting by Kim Blenkhorn

Oils on gessoed wood.

Photo and Painting by Kim Blenkhorn

Here is a progression of this painting. I started with burnt sienna and did an underpainting of values first.