Say Hello to… Budgerigardener

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Today we’re pleased to introduce a new stall holder – Budgerigardener – who we look forward to welcoming for the first time this Sunday 3rd December at Worthing Charmandean. Find out more…

Please introduce yourself and your brand….

Hi, I’m artist Mandy Renton – aka Budgerigardener – and I am on a mission to turn the nation’s favourite pet bird into an artistic icon!

How would you describe your style and your creations?

My subject matter may be niche but my style is very varied – the main constants being colour, character and portraiture. I paint mostly in oils, using quite traditional techniques, and also study and learn from the art history. Having a speciality subject is a good excuse to study the methods of great artists, and apply them to my own work, but with a special twist.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I like to balance my time between exploring the range of gorgeous birds in the world – from those in my garden to my favourite parrots and tropical birds – and developing more pastiche creations, such as my popular Van Gogh and Duchamp homages – incorporating budgies, of course! Quite often, just having the idea is the most fun; working out how to put a concept onto canvas is more of a challenge…
I love working with my own avian artists model, Bruno, who strikes a good pose, though he’s not so great at keeping still!

What can we expect to find on your stall at So This is Christmas in aid of St Barnabas on Sunday 3rd December? And are you looking forward to taking part?

Well, it wouldn’t be Christmas without robins! I have three very different Christmas card designs: pop art, collage and a more traditional plump robin in the snow: something for everyone.
I will also have my full flock of quality greeting cards and giclee prints, all based on my original paintings of budgies, birds, (including my ‘Brighton Starling’, plus the odd dog. Prints are available in various sizes, with different mount options, and some already framed, so perfect for gifts. I will also have a few small original paintings for sale.

I’ve been painting for ten years but never tried to sell my work before opening my Etsy shop just a few months ago. I’m really excited to finally be showing my budgies in person, and just for once I’m hoping they fly away!

Do you have a best seller?

Fighting for the number one spot are ‘Bird Bath’ my homage to Marcel Duchamp and his famous urinal, and ‘Carabudgio’, my very imposing green budgie; a noble portrait in the grand style whose beady eyes follow you round the room.

Do you have any plans or ambitions for the future?

After Christmas I’ll be concentrating on providing Budgerigardener fans with a wider range of birds as original paintings; I’ll also be exploring my long list of ideas for more ‘budgies in art history’ paintings.

Do you have a motto or inspirational quote?

My motto is “Why choose brown when you can have purple?”