Image Description
Original watercolor painting of a backlit rooster by contemporary Oregon impressionist artist Talya "Tali" Johnson.
Behind the Canvas
I don't have particularly steady hands, or very good eyesight, thus I prefer oil painting as it is more forgiving. So I'm not exactly sure why I chose to paint our family's favorite king-of-the-roost, Speedy Gonzalez, with this difficult medium. I was rather pleased with the end result.
I started raising chickens specifically for painting. That's right. For painting. Chickens, and particularly the cocky roosters, have luminescent colors rarely seen in the natural world, excellent for my personal regard of color.
We started with four chicks who were supposed to be cockerels. Sunny, our matriarch, turned out to be a hen (obviously). But we had so much fun raising these beasts that the next year we ordered more...hens this time. Young Gonzalez, a Brown Leghorn, was thrown in as an extra to keep the pullets warm as day-olds from the hatchery.
Gonzalez's claim to fame (other than his speediness) was his proud tail. He was a fierce protector of his flock and we so enjoyed watching him guard the fat hens while they free ranged in our yard. Gonzalez passed away bravely in the line of duty. RIP
The image of this stalwart rooster fine art painting is available as canvas prints for home decor, or art prints in a frame, to brighten up an office wall.
Production & Printing
While my family and I handle the design and creation of each artwork, the printing and shipping processes are sometimes managed by professional partners who share my commitment to quality and ethics. I carefully vet all printing partners to ensure they meet my own standards of locality, rigorous environmental and labor standards.
- 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: My chosen printers use eco-friendly materials and practices, including sustainable inks and responsibly sourced wood and canvases. This commitment helps minimize the environmental impact of each print.
- 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀: I collaborate with printing facilities that adhere to fair labor practices, ensuring that every person involved in the process is treated with respect and paid fairly.
By outsourcing to trusted professionals, we can focus on creating unique, high-quality art while ensuring that every step of the production process aligns with ethical standards.
