Two Magpies - OIL PAINTING

Two Magpies
Oil on canvas
50 × 50 cm
2026

This painting depicts a pair of magpies resting within a traditional Korean hanok courtyard, surrounded by flowering plants and architectural elements. In Korean culture, magpies are often associated with good fortune and the arrival of positive news, giving the scene a quiet sense of symbolism and familiarity.

For this work, I approached the palette with more restraint than in my other recent paintings, allowing the natural coloration of the magpies with their deep blacks, whites, and blues to guide the overall harmony of the composition. This resulted in a more traditional color structure, while still maintaining the expressive qualities of my style.

The painting is built through visible, textured brushwork, with particular attention given to movement within the sky and landscape. The flowing strokes in the clouds and foliage create a sense of liveliness, suggesting a clear afternoon filled with subtle motion and energy.

While the subject is simple, the scene reflects a moment of quiet observation, two birds pausing within a familiar architectural space, capturing a balance between nature, tradition, and everyday life.