Greenfinch

Description

Greenfinch

Greenfinch numbers in the UK have fallen sharply since 2006, when trichomonosis — a parasitic disease that spreads between birds sharing garden feeders and drinking water — began causing widespread mortality. The disease causes lesions in the throat that make feeding and swallowing progressively harder. The greenfinch population has declined by around 65% over the last decade and the species is now Red-listed as a bird of conservation concern in the UK. Regularly cleaning feeders and water sources in Sheffield and across the country makes a real difference to disease transmission.

In the Garden

Greenfinches were regular visitors to our Sheffield back garden last year, but we have not seen one since. The drop in numbers was noticeable. This bird was photographed in spring 2025, sitting on a branch between visits to the feeder. Greenfinches tend to settle at feeders for long stretches, so catching one perched on a branch rather than a feeder takes a bit of patience.

The Painting Process

Working in my Sheffield home studio, I completed this piece in a single painting session using oils on a 6 × 6 inch Ampersand Gessobord panel. The yellow-green plumage of the greenfinch is subtle rather than bold, which makes tonal accuracy important — it is easy to push the colour too far in either direction.

Original Artwork Details

This original oil painting is unframed. For advice on framing please refer to How to Frame a Painting on a Panel.

Specifications:

• Medium: Oil on gessobord panel
• Size: 6 × 6 inches (~ 15 × 15 cm)
• Depth: 0.3 cm (~ 1/8 inch)
• Unframed
• Year: 2025
• Signed on reverse

Shipping & Care

Your painting will be carefully packaged with protective materials and shipped via Royal Mail within 3-5 business days. The panel is robust and archival – oil paintings on panel have been proven to last for centuries when properly cared for. Display away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity for best longevity.