Brave Bullfinch Art – Sitting Proudly High in the Treetops

Description

In this bullfinch art the little guy is sitting on a branch traditional like, high in the tree tops on a cool, Spring day. The bullfinch is one of our larger billed finches.  This one is a male, hence the bright red chest.  They love to eat the flower buds of fruiting trees, so are sometimes considered a nuisance.  They are also very shy and I was lucky to get close enough to this one to get a picture.

More About this Bullfinch Art

Allow me to introduce you to one of my favourite creations, a spirited bullfinch captured on canvas paper with the vibrant strokes of acrylics. In painting this piece, I let my heart guide my hand as I imagined the cool breeze and the view from so high up there in the trees.

Picture a bird poised, full of berries, its glossy black head crowned with a crimson blaze, the very essence of ardor. His wings, dipped in midnight hues, hold secrets whispered by the wind. But it’s that fiery breast that steals the show—a beacon of passion against the canvas.

The technique I have used here is impasto. Imagine sculpting with paint, a negotiation between palette knife and canvas. Each stroke is a declaration, a tactile celebration of texture. The bird’s feathers, raised, almost tangible, invite you to run your fingers across their delicate contours. The branches beneath it, gnarled and steadfast, anchor our avian friend in a world of color.

The backdrop, a swirling blue sky, where azure meets cerulean, and the bird becomes a celestial note, harmonizing with the universe. The air crackles with anticipation; you can almost hear the Spring breeze.

Step closer. Let the bullfinch’s gaze meet yours. It’s as if it knows your secrets, your dreams. Hang this piece where sunlight spills through windows, where laughter echoes. Let it remind you that life bursts forth even in the quietest corners.

This Bullfinch art is more than pigment and canvas—it’s a conversation. A dialogue between artist and observer. And perhaps, just perhaps, it’s waiting for you to add your voice. Will you give this bullfinch art a perch in your world? Or you can view more of my Finches series

Why Appreciate Bullfinch Art?

In the United Kingdom, the charming bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) graces the landscape with its vibrant plumage and distinctive call. While once a common sight throughout the country, their population has faced fluctuations over the years due to factors such as habitat loss, changes in agricultural practices, and predation. Despite these challenges, concerted conservation efforts have helped stabilize their numbers in recent years ¹.

These birds exhibit a varied diet, predominantly consisting of seeds, buds, and berries, making them particularly dependent on specific trees such as hawthorn, blackthorn, and apple trees ². Their feeding behaviors, characterized by a methodical approach to extracting seeds and delicate nibbling on buds, reflect their adaptability to different environments.

In addition to their ecological significance, bullfinches hold cultural importance in the UK, often appearing in folklore and traditions.

The Bullfinch and the Cherry Tree

In this traditional folk tale, a bullfinch is said to be the guardian of a magical cherry tree that blooms only once every hundred years. According to the story, anyone who manages to catch a glimpse of the bullfinch perched atop the tree will be granted a wish. However, it is elusive and rarely seen by humans, making the fulfillment of the wish a rare and cherished event ³.

The Bullfinch’s Song

In some regions of the UK, there exists a belief that the song of a bullfinch can reveal secrets and hidden truths to those who listen closely. Legend has it that if one hears the special song on the eve of May Day, they will be granted insight into their future or receive guidance from the spirit world. This belief has led to the tradition of seeking them out and listening intently to their melodious tunes during the spring months ⁴.

The Bullfinch’s Feather

In certain folk customs, the feather of a bullfinch is considered a powerful talisman with protective properties. It is believed that carrying such a feather in one’s pocket or wearing it as an amulet can ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. This tradition dates back centuries and is still observed in some rural communities, where bullfinch feathers are treasured as symbols of luck and protection ⁵.

By investing in art featuring these fabulous birds, you can remind yourself of the natural beauty around us and the precarious existence of bullfinches in our human world

1. RSPB, “Bullfinch.” Bullfinch[↩]
2. British Trust for Ornithology, “Bullfinch.” species focus.[↩]
3. Briggs, Katharine. “An Encyclopedia of Fairies: Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures.” Pantheon Books, 1976.[↩]
4. Westwood, Jennifer, and Jacqueline Simpson. “The Lore of the Land: A Guide to England’s Legends, from Spring-Heeled Jack to the Witches of Warboys.” Penguin UK, 2005.[↩]
5. Vickery, Roy. “Oxford Dictionary of British Folklore.” Oxford University Press, 2000.[↩]