I’ve admitted it already, I can be a bird-brain.  Not in a ditzy way, in an I am completely fascinated by birds kind of way.  When we go out for evening walks, especially here at the lake, many times I’ll stop just to gaze at a lovely bird or try to catch a glimpse as one flits from tree to tree, trying to avoid the approaching humans.  London artist Fran Giffard takes ornithological study to an artsy degree as she draws these fine-feathered illustrations on the pages of old moleskin diaries.

Her latest series, O for Ornithology, features birds drawn within layouts similar to those of Mondrian’s paintings.  The birds “perched” within the grid seem to be peering in on us from a windowsill or perhaps peering out from a cage.

Giffard’s use of old diaries as substrate create an interesting juxtaposition between the beautifully rendered fowl and quickly jotted notes about every day life like grocery lists and appointments.

To see more of Fran Giffard’s work, please visit her website.  Looking forward to seeing lots of lovely new birds while we are in Joshua Tree, CA this Fall!

Featured image is P, Old Paper Alphabet series, graphite pencil and aquarelle, 26×21 cm. All images are via the artist’s website.