Birds

Paintings

Ink drawings

Skateboards

/// Art \\\

Birds

Birds of My Neighbourhood documents the species I encounter in Ottawa, especially along the Beaver Pond trail where I walk almost every day. Each piece begins with a photograph I take on location, ensuring every painting or drawing records a genuine moment with a local bird. In the studio I treat these images like traditional portraits, concentrating on posture, expression, and presence. My goal is to showcase the diversity and character of the birds that share our suburban landscape and to remind viewers that nature thrives right outside the doorstep.

{ Paintings }

Drawings

An American Goldfinch sitting in a Japanese maple. It's early spring and the male goldfinch is between it's winter coat and it's bright yellow summer coat.

Here is a male American Goldfinch sitting in my Japanese Maple. It's spring, he is between seasons transitioning from his winter coat to the brilliant yellow we all know so well. I love this in between, the look of a rebel with the anticipation of things to come.

Location: Kanata, Ontario

Species: American Goldfinch, male

Between Seasons, by Mark Stephenson, oil on canvas, 24x36in, 2025.

Available contact me if you are interested

This is a Cardinal I know; he is a regular in my yard all year long. He has a bit of attitude and is often on look out, making sure things are safe for his mate. He has a little chip out of his beak, so I know it's him. He is also quite sensitive, you can on occasion see see him feeding his soul mate. As he perches in his regular spot you can sometimes catch a glimpse as the wind hits his peak in such a way that you just know, this one is a rockstar.

Location: Kanata, Ontario

Species: Northern Cardinal, male

Rockstar, by Mark Stephenson, oil on canvas, 24x36in, 2024.

Available contact me if you are interested

Painting of a male Norther Cardinal perched in a tree. The Cardinal is bright red occupying the majority of the painting. Back ground and foreground elements are loosely painted.

Printing of a Great Blue Heron in the water. Water is green reflecting the trees and sky.

I spotted a Great Blue Heron between the reeds on one of my many walks around Beaver Pond. There was a light breeze and the water had this emerald green feel. The back light and reflections created a halo around the Heron, how could I resist, I snapped a photo and got to the studio.

Location: Kanata, Ontario

Species: Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron between the reeds at Beaver pond, by Mark Stephenson, oil on panel, 20x20in, 2024.

Available contact me if you are interested

Painting of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet perched on a branch with it's crown on display.

A male Ruby-crowned Kinglet. These tiny, elusive birds are often found nestled on the inner branches of shrubs and small trees are a joy to see and hear. Here we have a male I spotted at Beaver Pond with it’s ruby-red crown peaking out, a rare sight.

Location: Kanata, Ontario

Species: Ruby-crowned Kinglet, male

Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Beaver pond, by Mark Stephenson, oil on panel, 12x12in, 2024.

Available contact me if you are interested

A Common Yellowthroat warbler perched on a branch with a green background.

A Common Yellowthroat warbler that I met on a walk around Beaver Pond in Kanata. These are beautiful small songbirds with a bright yellow throat and olive colouring.

Location: Kanata, Ontario

Species: Common Yellowthroat Warbler

Common Yellowthroat at Beaver pond, by Mark Stephenson, oil on panel, 12x12in, 2023.

Available contact me if you are interested

All references for these paintings are from birds I've seen and photographed.