Rustic and vintage artwork of soft feathers by Lisette Rijkers

As a lover of nature, I can often be found outside. Outside in the garden or taking a nice walk in one of the beautiful Dutch nature reserves. I love trees, landscapes, flowers and plants with beautiful leaves. But animals in particular are great to see and photograph, especially birds. Birds have always fascinated me. The ability to fly themselves is something I find special. Whether it's a small hummingbird or a large bald eagle, for example, they can almost all fly. And plumage contributes to this. Feathers are beautiful. Wonderful how they are 'built', what 'parts' they consist of. But certainly also beautiful the shapes, patterns and colours they have. Feathers in all shapes and sizes are always an inspiration for me to take pictures of them. Finding a beautiful feather is always a small moment of happiness! These soft feathers are what birds lose in spring. The soft down feathers have kept the birds warm during the cold winter months. This artwork shows a collection of soft down feathers, beautifully arranged on an old twig. The birds have let go of the feathers, the plant has let go of the old twig, these 'parts' no longer needed by nature, all of which deserves a rustic and warmly coloured (coarsely painted) background. The vintage colours complete the picture and emphasise the rustic atmosphere.