Stump Talk

“Stump Talk” by Merrill Coffin (2003) is a captivating nature scene that invites viewers into a quiet moment between two blue jays, perched on a freshly cut tree stump. The birds, facing one another in a seemingly animated exchange, are rendered in striking shades of blue and white, their feathers vividly detailed. Surrounding the stump are delicate white flowers that add a softness to the composition, while a bed of golden hay stretches across the foreground, catching the light and offering a sense of warmth. The background contrasts this brightness with a dark brown tone, where another stump and the silhouettes of bare trees evoke a sense of the forest in late autumn or early winter. The painting captures the interplay between life and decay, with the blue jays symbolizing the continuation of nature despite the starkness of the setting.