I painted this beautiful little bluebird in the snow partly as an experiment. It is my first acrylic. I'm exploring whether I can achieve what I want with acrylics and get away from the toxic fumes of the oils I work with, at least for small paintings.

This is a commissioned work of art, and the gentleman who commissioned me suggested I do prints, so his generosity is why this painting is available to you now. I hope you enjoy it. He'd asked me to paint a bluebird, a symbol of happiness in almost every culture, in any way I chose as a gift for a loved one. I was drawn to this image in my photo file because of the promise it speaks of: snow-covered cherry buds just beginning to unfold and the arrival of a bluebird scout, both signaling the beginning of spring and warmer weather.

Have you ever noticed, that as soon as a leaf drops, there's a bud in place on the branch before winter has drawn its first frosty breath? Maybe trees have something we all need more of right now -- faith that better times will come. They will.

I think my experiment with acrylics proved fruitful. My collector is very happy with his original painting of "Spring Promise" and I've learned I can deal with the rapid-drying properties of acrylics -- to a degree. I'll try a few more small pieces before tackling anything larger. (Sign up for my email newsletter to see the next one.) I've found it's very satisfying to be able to go back to work on a piece within 20 minutes of putting on a glaze instead of the 24 to 48 hours it takes for an oil. I have so many ideas to paint and acrylics may help me get them out faster and safer. We'll see. In the meantime, enjoy. -- Ellen

Note: Penciled personalizations are available on all giclée editions except canvas.

Ellen Rice Giclée Minis: archival, signed reproductions on fine art paper sized to exactly fit a standard 8" x 10" frame without matting -- wonderful for small walls between windows, small spaces like bathrooms, gifts and the wallet!
Image Size: 6" x 5" plus margins for 8" x 10" frame size.	Price: $45

Open stock, signed archival giclée reproduction on fine art paper, signed and titled by the artist with the name of the painting in pencil in the lower margin. Better for viewing in less confined spaces than the mini, but still good for small wall.
Image Size: 10" x 8 " plus margins for 11" x 14" frame.	Price: $90

Limited edition of 50 signed, numbered archival giclée individually printed on fine art paper and signed in pencil by the artist over her embossed seal of authenticity in the lower margin of this museum quality reproduction.
Image Size: 12" x 9" plus margins, same size as the original.	Price: $150

Edition of only 25 signed, numbered archival giclée on CANVAS, with the look, feel and durability of an original oil painting. Signed in black or gold ink in the margin. We recommend hiding the signature by framing up to the image for the closest representation of the original.
Image Size: 12" x 9" plus margins.	Price: $250