Soar Series

Fearless was inspired by another ambassador bird through Native Bird Connections during the Talons event that I attended last year. This Rough Legged Hawk was hit by a truck and had one of his wings partially amputated. For him to survive a hit like that alone is amazing, so many prey birds are injured when soaring through the sky seeking their destination on the other side of a man made freeway.
During the event I was amazed how this hawk sat comfortably on the earth with this sense of confidence and presence for me I saw it as Fearlessness. As I painted the hawk I wanted the primary focus to be in his eye; a sense of intensity and strength. I chose to paint his body in a fresco style affect, leaving elements incomplete and even removed, blending the bird in with his surroundings.

The beech leaves are painted in a more bold manner, they are a memory of the trees I would see in winter back east, many times being the last leaves on the winter trees. I had to look up the symbol of the beech tree and loved to learn it is representative of the written word and wisdom through ancient learning.
Plaster, Ink and Acrylic on a 48" x 24" Raised Birch Panel