2014 Edition: 999
Image sizes: 11 3/4 x 15 1/2 • Giclee Print: $120
15 x 20 • Oversize Print: $150

Find this hidden hummer.

"Hangin' Out in the Pines"

Yes, hummingbirds are migrating south now but cardinals, on the other hand, are flocking to the Dempsey Essick Gallery in Downtown Welcome for the release of his new print, “Hangin’ Out in the Pines”.

“I love cardinals,” Dempsey shared. “They don’t migrate, they mate for life, and they become very social at the feeding station. Many times it’s the cardinals gathered outside my studio window that keep me company during my long winter painting days. I have noted no less than 9 cardinals outside my studio window that came and stayed for days at the time. They acknowledge me when I come to replenish their food supply and they are not territorial meaning they love the company of other cardinals.”

“One of the great things about cardinals is that their colors brighten up any dreary day. They stand out dramatically against the earth tones of winter. This pair of cardinals is hanging out on a pine branch, just after a heavy snow, awaiting to be fed. The pines provide a haven for the cardinals as well a place to roost each evening. This painting causes me to feel at ease because of the peace and quiet of it. I hope you will experience the same.”

This hidden hummer included here is very subtle but easy to see because of its size. Also, how many pine cones do you count in the painting?

Shelley Shares

“Our days are long when Dempsey is working in the studio,” shares wife, Shelley Essick.

“When Dempsey is focused on a painting, he works from morning into the night; sometimes 18 hours at a time. He may go several days and not speak a word. I have learned that this is a good thing and to leave him alone. When he is truly focused his mind is not wandering and he gets more accomplished."

The early days

Dempsey and Shelley add the 1000th
piece to an intricate hummingbird puzzle

"We don’t go out to eat during these time and we don’t have a social life. Background noise is usually westerns. I go to the library and check out all the old cowboy movies. He knows them all by heart because he plays them over and over and over again."

"Painting is his priority and he sticks with it. The end result of all this effort are these beautiful, breath taking works of art where the grass is painted literally blade by blade or each leaf is made up of three shades of green."

"You have heard it said about an artist’s suffering when he creates and I am here to tell you that it is true because I have seen it many times over. I am so honored to be married to such a talented man- a man that I met in high school art class.”