Cardinals in Winter

There are several influences represented in this painting.  First, I recently completed another winter scene painting with which I was well pleased and thought I would try another.  Second, I like cardinals (the birds, not the ecclesiastics, although I don’t have anything against high churchmen.)  Third, a number of folks believe that cardinals are spirit animals which come into our lives representing the spirits of our deceased loved ones assuring us that we will see them again in the “sweet bye and bye.” Finally, if you look at the birch tree on the right, you wll see (I hope) a heart shape carved in the trunk.  Look more closely and you can see 2 sets of initials, “TO” and “KW” for me and my wife.  This carving is showing signs of age, but after all, it has been there for more than 50 years.  Thanks for indulging me on this one.  TO