Artwork copyright Mel McCuddin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Small Bird, 1992

Mel McCuddin
(American, born 1933, died 2022)

Location: Ilalko Elementary School, Auburn

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Small Bird is a painting by artist Mel McCuddin, composed using a warm, subtle under-painting to make the colors of the image glow. This piece is part of the artist's body of work in which the composition of a solitary figure develops spontaneously. McCuddin notes, "the complete painting seems to project a sense of wonder and apprehension at the complexity of life into which this bird was thrust when it struggled out of the egg."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Auburn School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Spokane, Eastern Washington-based artist Mel McCuddin (1933-2022) created expressive, figurative paintings. In his own words: “I begin a painting with no idea in mind, and at a certain point in the process of putting paint on the canvas, an idea will suggest itself. Many of these ideas change and many are rejected until one seems strong enough to accept. My paintings are essentially a record of the evolution of an idea... What I’ve been after for a long time is something that you feel more than see, paintings with a strong presence.”

McCuddin was born and raised on a dairy farm on Spokane’s North Side. He loved art as a child and made art all through high school. He worked as a truck driver for dairies, took art classes when he could, and painted at night until retirement allowed him to create art full time.