The First Stoke: Painting a Persimmon Tree and Crows

I’m beginning my first painting in my series 'They Might Be Gods'. Last week I spoke about half of my artwork in this series being about pouring poison in sleepers’ ears. What I’m working on now is the first of the other half; fruit trees being eaten by animals. 

Last year at this time I saw a persimmon tree covered in crows. The black birds were cawing and feasting on the fruit. The vibrant orange and red of the fruit with the contrast of the black crows was so striking. It inspired this idea. 

Unlike the other theme of this series, I want this one to stay fairly mysterious to me. Such as I have the most basic composition worked out but It’s just a jumping off point. I want to develop the idea and the composition as I develop the painting. Letting inspiration in the moment guide me along. 

your artist friend,

Jennifer Marie Keller