LA GARZA (The Heron) #19 by artist Alise Baker

Applique painting on hard-backed canvas, 8” x 10”, framed to 10” x 12”

Also shown here is the original Don Clemente Gallo card for LA GARZA.

The riddle associated with this image: Al otro lado del río tengo mi banco de arena, donde se sienta mi chata pico de garza morena.
At the other side of the river I have my sand bank, there sits my short darling, with the beak of a dark heron.

About the piece:  It's always difficult to explain my painting process- my paintings always look so different in person from the photos. Basically I hand sew several layers of different types of textured fabric together- depending on what type of creature I'm creating. Then I give the animal a "haircut" and add extra details like dimples/ grooves with embroidery. I then paint the fabric and work the paint into the whole fabric. Animals usually have a darker undercoat, so I work in the dark colors first. I brush out the fur as I paint to keep it from getting matted and to give it shape. The heron's beak is painted wool felt that I applied a gloss varnish to make it more realistic.

I try to re-purpose supplies/materials as much as possible. All my frames are from antique/thrift stores that I paint. The fabric I use is also mostly found in antique and thrift stores. I love the idea of taking a worn/ unloved object and giving it new life.