The dove is an emblem of peace, unable to fight with claw or beak. The persecuted dove is an indefatigable flyer, symbolizing the Jewish people who continue to flourish through countless epochs. Two doves together symbolize love as they hover close to the nest in protection of their young. They are seen to be the loyalist and truest of birds.

I draw the dove every day in my journal. Often, I embellish with large curving wings and leaves and petals, roses, sunflowers, evergreens and spirals.

In this gallery I also show paintings that feature other birds such as the eagle and the hummingbird.

The eagle is a symbol of power, victory and loyalty. It is the mightiest winged predator, and yet the eagle profoundly represents the Creator entering into the field of time: the finite from the infinite. The eagle also represents the mercy, strength, protectiveness and divine compassion of the Creator. Because of its speed, lightness and ability to soar higher than other birds, the eagle often symbolizes prayer.

The hummingbird is a very strong symbol for First Nations. It is connected to the the Ghost Shirt religion which taught that certain dances done properly would bring about a return of the animals. In Mayan teaching, the hummingbird is associated with the black sun and the fifth world. The hummingbird can give humanity the medicine to solve the riddle of the contradiction of duality. This bird sings of pure joy. Having magical powers, the hummingbird feathers have been used in making love potions and to open the heart. The life of plants and flowers become part of the hummingbird and she sucks their nectar. She is grace, beauty and wonder.

Select an image for a expanded view and for a slideshow of all the images in this gallery