Yellow Bird of Paradise

Although not uncommon, the yellow bird of paradise is not a bush you see a lot of here in the California desert.  So when I came upon this yellow one, with the brick red building in the background, it made a stunning contrast. 

"Yellow Bird of Paradise"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Complementary Colors

Mother Nature sure knows her color theory. Putting complementary* colors next to each other makes the biggest bang you can have. And these birds of paradise make a wild statement.

*complementary colors - those colors which are opposite each other on the color wheel, e.g., red & green, blue & orange, yellow and violet.

"Complementary Colors" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Bird of Paradise

I've done several paintings of birds of paradise, each a dramatic statement of contrasting colors. And elegant flower of rich orange and a deep blue violet, I'm always looking for a new perspective. This beauty was calling to me as it reached to the sun at the Descanso Gardens in La Canada-Flintridge, CA.

"Bird of Paradise" © Kathy Dunham 2008