This drawing done on watercolor paper was from a bird held captive briefly before being released back into the wild. It proved a perfect subject as it sat calmly while I drew and painted nearby. These chance encounters are important to the artist especially as birds seldom keep still for long. Much can be learnt by careful study and observation and I am pleased that I had the opportunity with this bird. Size is about 20" x 13".
Years ago I rehabilitated orphaned and injured birds for the AZ Dept. of Game & Fish. I had a female kestrel that became so tame she would spend much of the day sitting on my shoulder.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I got many good photos of her, I never even thought to sketch her or any of the other birds that came into my hands. Opportunity missed, the story of my life.
John, I never knew you were a rehabilitator! The few birds that I nursed back to health and released back into the wild was an amazing experience, and is a feeling one never forgets so I can guess how rewarding that job can be. And I know just what you mean about missed opportunities! There have been so many times in the past that I wished that I had spent more time and energy drawing and painting. I suppose all one can do is to make sure that it never happens again in the future.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you about missed opportunities, mine are mainly photographic.
ReplyDeleteA view or a building, just a memory when I got round to going back.