Taking Flight by Frances Byrd

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Frances Byrd

Taking Flight, 2024

Acrylic On Canvas, Hand Carved MDF

48 x 30 x 0.5 in (121.92 x 76.2 x 1.27 cm)

Framed: 50 x 32 x 2 in (127.0 x 81.28 x 5.08 cm)

Signature: Bottom Right, under largest barn swallow

Inv: 3DP.2024.TF

$1,500

Installed

Location: The Scene Art Gallery 2070 North Point Circle Alpharetta, Georgia 30022 (Google map)

This portrait is an exploration of the personal freedom that comes from letting go – of other people’s expectations and preferences, of crippling self-imposed perfectionism, and a turning away from the negativity so prevalent in our culture.
Birds are a recurring theme in much of my work because I have always felt a strong attraction to them. Whether they are wild, domesticated, songbird, scavenger, or bird of prey makes no difference to me. I love them all!
I have long felt that birds are the perfect symbol for freedom and creative expression. To be able to fly and spread joy through song makes them a perfect accompaniment to my portraits of empowered women.
In Taking Flight, I used barn swallows because historically they have been used to symbolize luck and good omens. In some cultures, they are believed to carry souls into the sky. In this portrait, they are juxtaposed with bright colors and strong shapes. The figure’s hair mimics their flight, as well as sharing their golden aura. It is a symbiotic relationship of joy and new beginnings.

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From Frances Byrd

In Pursuit of Hope, 2026

Acrylic Mural and Theme Paints on Wood Panel and Canvas

22 x 54 x 1.5 in (55.88 x 137.16 x 3.81 cm)

$800
Hope, 2026

Mixed Media

8 x 8 x 1.5 in (20.32 x 20.32 x 3.81 cm)

$100
Grace, 2026

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8 x 8 x 1.5 in (20.32 x 20.32 x 3.81 cm)

$100
Luna, 2026

Mixed Media

8 x 8 x 1.5 in (20.32 x 20.32 x 3.81 cm)

$100
Swallow Synchronicity, 2026

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8 x 13.25 x 1.5 in (20.32 x 33.66 x 3.81 cm)

$100
Athena Among the Stars, 2026

Acrylic Mural and Theme Paints on Wood Panel

26.25 x 21.5 x 2 in (framed) (66.68 x 54.61 x 5.08 cm)

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Diana Beneath a Starry Sky, 2026

Wood Carving

24 x 13 x 1 in (60.96 x 33.02 x 2.54 cm)

$350
In Pursuit of Dreams, 2024

Acrylic on Wood Panel

23 x 22.5 x 2.5 in (58.42 x 57.15 x 6.35 cm)

$500