05. Golden Oriole
THE GOLDEN BIRD
Male Golden Oriole eating cherries
ABOUT THESE BIRDS
Some curiosities about these birds
Its scientific name is Oriolus oriolus. It is a medium-sized passerine bird, like a pigeon, which lives in ravines and riverbanks, very close to rivers. From its colour we might think that it is a bird that is easy to spot, but nothing could be further from the truth. It really is an elusive and discreet bird, especially the males, which have this bright yellow colour. The females, on the other hand, are green and blend in invisibly. This is common in birds where the females are breeding.
Their diet is very varied but they love fruits such as cherries where this male is perched. Although it might seem that their plumage is the most striking feature, this is not the case. The most impressive thing is its song, which is reminiscent of a magic flute of a leprechaun.
It is important to note that the golden bird only visits us in spring and summer. During the winters they go to the African continent to continue their diet and activity. But every year they return to their frequent breeding sites, such as the Los Vélez region.
HOW IT WAS MADE
Discover how this painting was made
The oriole was made on the upper part of the House of the Birds, using a lifting platform. During its creation the temperatures dropped very low and it was a very hard time because it was very cold. It was a challenge to have such a bright yellow colour to contrast with the red and green tones of the cherry branch. Getting the right size in relation to the perch is always a complex moment when designing a work. In this creation the bird is as important as the perch, trying to make the size as well as the diet of the bird understandable.
It was made with acrylic paints, brushes and acrylic markers. It is protected with varnish to avoid deterioration in terms of its exposure to the exterior and against vandalism, although due to its intense yellow colour it suffers a lot from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation and is restored every year. It is a unique work, which has never been done before and never in this size
ROUTE OF PAINTINGS
The Route of Paintings continues through
Vélez-Blanco
This painting is located on the façade of the House of the Birds, it is next to a window and its dimensions are 1,80 and 1,10 m. You can see other works by following our street route in Vélez Blanco.
BOOKINGS
Book your exclusive stay at The House of the Birds
You will discover a different kind of rural accommodation, with all the comforts of a completely restored house but with a rural feel. With fireplace, wine cellar, games room, table football room, spacious lounge, comfortable bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen and in the heart of a unique village with its beauty as is Vélez Blanco.
