Cardinal Art Print & Greeting Card by Gene Irvin (1934–2026)

The Cardinal — America's Most Beloved Backyard Bird

Few sights stop you in your tracks like a brilliant red cardinal perched against a winter sky. Gene Irvin's pen, ink, and watercolor portrait captures that contrast perfectly — the male Northern Cardinal's vivid scarlet plumage set against a cool, cloudy background, rendered with the fine stippled detail that defines Gene's wildlife art.

The Northern Cardinal is the official state bird of seven US states — Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia — making it one of the most symbolically significant birds in America. And for many, the cardinal carries a deeper meaning: the longstanding belief that a cardinal's visit is a message from a loved one who has passed, a sign that they are near.

Available in:

• 8×10 fine art print
• 5×7 fine art print
• Greeting card with envelope

Why collectors love it: A universally recognized bird with deep emotional resonance — Gene's cardinal is one of the most gifted pieces in the collection, especially around the holidays and in memory of loved ones.

Shipping & Details: Ships from Arizona. Prints flat-packed. Greeting cards ship First Class. Produced from Gene Irvin's original illustration.