This painting is of one of my own chickens named Flower. She is a Bantam Mille Fleur Cochin. The term "mille fleur" is French for a thousand flowers and was the term used to describe a certain type of flower pattern and style of background decoration in tapestries and illustrations from the Middle Ages and early Renaissance. The term was adopted to describe the beautifully mottled feather pattern of certain breeds of chickens. Flower is one of only a few of my flock who have survived numerous attacks from predators, including hawks, foxes, weasels, coyotes, and bears. She has raised her own chicks and is a very protective nurturer. I think this painting is a reflection of her personality, confidence and determination to live.