North American birds are as familiar to me as the European birds. Few European birds have colors as bright as those of the cardinal, American goldfinch and blue jay. For a long time, I struggled with the idea for a cardinal painting, but when I saw the beauty of the blooming redbud trees, I chose to do a triptych: three of my favorite North American birds would be the stars, instead of only one. Blue, red and yellow - the three main colors - all of them in the same scenery! I am very happy that I can bring the spring into people's houses. - CB