Standing Tall

Flamingos are not born pink. Their vibrant color comes from what they consume; algae and crustaceans rich in carotenoids that gradually transform their feathers into brilliant shades of coral, magenta, and rose. Their environment shapes their radiance. Their nourishment becomes their identity.

I love that.

There is something deeply symbolic about a creature whose boldest feature is the result of what it takes in and integrates fully. The flamingo does not apologize for its brightness. It doesn’t dilute its color to blend in. It stands tall in it – proud, visible, unmistakable.

When I got this canvas, I knew immediately that I wanted to paint a vibrant flamingo.  The tall nature of the canvas was perfect and I was excited to see the magentas and pinks pop off the dark background that connects this animal spirit series. When I began painting this piece, I was thinking about that unapologetic vibrancy. About how what we feed ourselves – creatively, emotionally, spiritually – eventually shows on the surface. 

Standing Tall became a reflection on bold self-expression, balance, and the courage to embody our full color without hesitation.

Vibrant Self-Expression

Flamingos do not blend in.

They are unapologetically pink. Their colour is a result of their environment, their nourishment, their nature. They wear their color fully. There’s no dimming. No shrinking.

That symbolism resonates deeply with me as an artist. While I wear mostly black, I love colour. Working with colour to tell the story is so important to me. For years, I’ve been rooted in expressive, post-impressionist color. I’m constantly balancing bold brushwork with careful observation. Feeling with precision. Emotion with structure.

In this painting, I leaned into layered magentas, deep rose tones, and subtle violets to create depth and movement. The brushwork is visible, intentional, alive. The dark background amplifies the vibrancy. It allows the flamingo to step forward, fully seen.

That’s what authentic living looks like. Not softening yourself to make others comfortable. Not muting your truth.

It’s allowing your full color to exist.

Confidence Without Apology

Height carries symbolism. The flamingo’s long legs elevate it; not in dominance, but in presence.

Confidence is not loudness. It’s not force.

It’s posture. It’s knowing who you are and standing there fully.

This piece became about that kind of confidence. The kind rooted in self-acceptance. The kind that doesn’t seek validation but radiates assurance naturally.

When we embrace our uniqueness, our “bright feathers”, we stop negotiating our worth.

We simply stand tall.

The Artistic Process

Technically, this painting challenged me in the best way.

Feathers demand attention. Layering. Directional brushwork. Subtle shifts in tone. Flamingo anatomy requires careful observation. The curve of the beak, the delicate structure of the legs, the density of the plumage.

The dark background was a deliberate choice. It removes distraction. It creates stillness. It allows the flamingo’s vibrancy to command the space without chaos.

Standing in front of the finished canvas, I felt it immediately.Stand tall.
Stay vibrant.
And never apologize for your color.