Featured Artist Rose Tanner

Enjoy Canadian artist Rose Tanner’s delightful bird portraits, painted in oil. See more of her wonderfully expressive work by visiting her website.

 

Oil portrait of a crow by Rose Tanner

“Caw” Oil on Linen, 20” x 16”

With my work, I hope to inspire people to spend time outdoors and find a reason to be in nature.

 

Oil portrait of a Bee Eater bird by Rose Tanner

“Bee Eater” Oil on Linen, 24” x 32”

 

I am an oil painter with a passion for birds. One time I travelled 12,000 kilometers for a species. Crazy, right?

 

Oil portrait of a cardinal by Rose Tanner

“Henry” Oil on Linen, 14” x 11”

 

Many people do not see birds because they are small and fleeting. But with a long lens, I have witnessed extraordinary behaviour that inspires me deeply.

 

Oil painting of birders with a bird on one of their heads by Rose Tanner

“The Birders” Oil on Linen, 14” x 11”

 

My goal is for the viewer to connect with the playful, human side of birds; to see into their eyes and realize there is so much more than expected.

 

Oil portrait of a male and female cardinal by Rose Tanner

“Henry and Rosabella” Oil on Linen, 20” x 10”

 

Birds sing, dance, fight, fly, court, breed, claim territory, pair for life, play the field and fool around. They hold funerals, have socials, eat fermented berries and perform mating rituals that leave me baffled. Watching birds in the wild has taught me absolute respect for the diversity on this planet.

 

Oil portrait of a yellow bird taking a bath by Rose Tanner

“The Bath” Oil on Linen, 24” x 18”

 

After high school, I went to the Academy of Art University (AAU) for one year and then worked in publishing and software design. When I decided to go back to AAU, decades later, I studied online, taking drawing and illustration—but it was painting that captured my heart.

 

Oil portrait of a shore bird hatching an egg by Rose Tanner

“Morning Hatch” Oil on Linen, 20” x 16”

 

I have a seven-week online oil painting bootcamp that helps artists learn how to improve their painting practise, so that they can show and sell their paintings.

 

Oil portrait of a blue bird gathering items for its nest by Rose Tanner

“The Decorator” Oil on Linen, 12” x 16”

 

When I teach classes, my main point is to paint what you love and work in a series. I think the biggest lesson is mastering the dark colours in your palette so that the vibrant colour can shine through.

 

Oil painting of a bird sitting on a deer's rump by Rose Tanner

“Unlikely Friends” Oil on Linen, 14” x 11”

 

I have been honoured to win awards, show in galleries and museums, coach artists and serve on the board of the Victoria Federation of Canadian Artists.

 

Artist Rose Tanner

Artist Rose Tanner

 

Whoever thought being an artist could take you to so many incredible places?

 

Artist Rose Tanner invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

 

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YES PLEASE!

Comments

  1. annmarie snyder-grove says

    beautiful closeup and extremely up close and personal portraits of birds. what do you to get photos? must belong to birders club.

  2. Very nice work Rose, you have a wonderful, thank you for sharing.

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