With the exception of an occasional request for parrots, most of the birds that I paint grow from the ground. They are birds of paradise.
![An orange bird of paradise painting by Elizabeth Barenis is shown with a deep green background.](http://creativepinellas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/bopnp1_cc_edited1-1024x763.jpg)
Although it is native to South Africa, this plant grows abundantly in Florida. Its name comes from the shape of the flowers, which resemble a bird in flight . . . or, a bird’s head, depending on how you look at it. Recently a friend sent me a popular meme which questions the correct way to perceive a bird of paradise:
However, I’d like to debunk this idea and insist that the image on the right is also a correct way to interpret the bird of paradise. But, as with most things, it’s really up to each person to decide their take on it.
![Two paintings by Elizabeth Barenis are shown. The one on the left is an orange bird of paradise. On the right is a white bird of paradise.](http://creativepinellas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/bop23-1024x463.jpg)
It’s always a pleasant surprise to catch sight of this colorful flower – both the orange as well as the white variations – and a reminder to take time to appreciate the beauty nature has to offer.
![Two paintings by Elizabeth Barenis are shown. They both show orange bird of paradise flowers in bloom against a green leafy background.](http://creativepinellas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/bop45-1024x463.jpg)
My newest painting is called “Paradise Found.” Shown below, it measures 40” x 60” and begs to know how paradise on earth would look. Maybe paradise is already within us, waiting for expression. And whether it manifests as the majestic wings of a bird in flight or a googly-eyed dodo inciting laughter, may the end result be joy.
![A painting by Elizabeth Barenis is shown, depicting a vibrant white bird of paradise flower with multiple blooms and a green and yellow background.](http://creativepinellas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/paradisefoundb1-1024x677.jpg)
http://www.elizabethbarenis.com