This painting measures 12 x 24 with a 2.25 inch gold-leafed edge. I begin with graphite drawing on the wood surface, adding multiple layers of oil paint, washes, glazes, and metal-leaf.  Each of my paintings has about 30 layers.

“Goldfinches” by Joseph Bradley depicts a visual field of the American Goldfinch.  I have loved painting this series because the goldfinch because they taught me about freedom.  After trying to keep birds in a cage, they were actually getting depressed and I returned them to the breeder.  A few days later, goldfinches swarmed my backyard and the bright flashes of color filled my eyes and I saw birds how they were supposed to be - free and vibrant.