Coral Buntings and Their Nest in a Holly Tree

Harry Bright

1878

gouache

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

About this work

This painting shows two small birds perched near a round nest made of twigs and mud. The nest sits in a holly bush with spiky green leaves and bright red berries. One bird is inside the nest, while the other holds a twig in its beak. The artist paid close attention to the birds’ soft feathers and the nest’s textures. Holly berries add a pop of color against the muted greens. Want to see how artists mix colors in watercolor? Try looking up watercolor, glazing.