American Kestrel

American Kestrel, 2021, Oil on Panel, 5"x5"

 

I met this fellow at the Audubon sanctuary in Canton, MA.  They were hosting an event with Canon cameras.  We took a walk through the sanctuary grounds, and then witnessed birds brought in from a bird rescue group.  We were a small group and able to get close to the birds for photographing.  These were raptors that were injured beyond rehabilitation.  Most of the injuries were due to car hits.  The kestrel is a small falcon, 9-12 inches. This guy is a male identified by his slate blue wings and head. 

Night Visitor, 2021

Night Visitor, 2021, Oil on Panel, 12"x12"

 

A Tapestry, A Work in Progress

Eastern Screech Owl, Oil on Panel 10"x10"

I believe I've solved the problem of the branch on which the owl is perched.  It now seems to be attached to the tree in back.  I increased the texture of the tree on the right to see how far I should push that.  The original goal was to have the owl "emerge" from the tree as they do in real life.  But, as usual my tendency to slip into realism has taken some control.

 

A Tapestry, a Work in Progress

 

Eastern Screech Owl, Oil on Panel, 10"x10"

In the warm evening months, we can hear a screech owl outside our family room.  The first time I heard it, I thought there was a horse whinnying in the yard. I've looked on occasion for its home to no avail.  It truly in part of the tapestry.  

A Tapestry Work in Progress

 

Northern Screech Owl, 10"x10", Oil on Panel

The Copley Society of Art has called for small works with the theme of Tapestry.  It came to mind that the Screech Owl is so camouflaged in its environment as to appear almost a tapestry against it.  I photographed this owl at the Audubon Sanctuary in Canton, MA.  It was a rescued owl that could not be released.  This is a different way of working for me: loose, wet into wet, thick with undefined edges.  I'm not crazy about the flatness of the black.  

Red-bellied Woodpecker Painting, 2020

 

Red-bellied Woodpecker Painting, 2020, Oil on Panel, 10"x10"

Placing the birds on a paint brush screams "I'm a painting, not a real bird."  Otherwise, I'm not sure how I can explain this surrealism.  The brush symbolizes me, the artist.  n general, all birds symbolize freedom because they have the ability and the freedom to roam the earth and fly in the skies. But for me the bird is such an interesting creature with the ability to be expressive even with out the lips to smile or the fore head to frown. They offer great color, texture and form variety. 

Red-Breasted Woodpecker, Work in Progress

Red-bellied Woodpecker, Oil on Panel, 12"x12"

As 2020 comes to a close, and I spend all my time in the house, I'm happy to feed the birds and watch them.  These guys are delighted with the suet we put out even though they have to fight off the Blue Jays, notorious gangsters.