State Bird Illustration Series - The Cardinals


Seven states chose the cardinal to represent their state.  
Ohio chose the cardinal and carnation, which is a lot of red.  
I decided to illustrate a female cardinal for a little less red.
Neil Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, OH.  How do you pronounce that?
I lived in Winnemucca, NV for a while and people would ask me the same.
Eight presidents have been from Ohio; seven republican. 



Kentucky chose the Cardinal and goldenrod.  I originally illustrated this one for Illinois, but liked it for Kentucky better so switched the flowers around in PS.
Kentucky is home of Abraham Lincoln and the Kentucky Derby held at 
Churchill Downs in Louisville the first Saturday in May of each year.  


Illinois chose the cardinal and the purple violet for their state.
The sixth most populous state in the U.S. with Chicago being the 
nation's third largest city. 
"Land of Lincoln" as Abraham Lincoln spent most of his life here.



Indiana chose the cardinal and peony flower to represent their state.
My favorite fact about Indiana is Santa Claus, Indiana receives over half a 
million cards and 10,000 letters from children at Christmastime.  Fun.
I painted the peonies separately so wanted to show you the full effect here.


North Carolina chose the Cardinal and Dogwood.  
I had to get another girl in the collection of cardinals with this illustration.
Two of my favorites, Pepsi and Krispy Kreme donuts, were founded here.
I remember the line of cars outside the new Krispy Kreme shop in Reno years ago.
After the long wait you could walk in and get
 a fresh and warm glazed donut right off the conveyor.  Heavenly. 


Virginia also chose the Cardinal and Dogwood for their state. 
Another good reason to use a female cardinal.
The surrenders ending both the American Revolution and the Civil War 
occurred in Virginia.
Virginia is also a "Mother of Presidents" state having
eight presidents born there. 



West Virginia chose the Cardinal and the Rhododendron
West Virginia has the oldest population of any state with a median age of 40
and tourism is the state's leading industry.  Lots of mountains to see in West Virginia and
it is sometimes referred as "The Switzerland of the U.S."

Comments

Popular Posts