These works began in 2008. Stylistically they are an outgrowth of the many abstract pastel and charcoal drawings that I did earlier in my career. Those older drawings can be seen here. The abstract drawings focused as much on the physical aspects of pastel and charcoal, e.g. the lush tones and the pentimenti created by vigorous erasures, as on the actual shapes.
I spent a year or two doing strictly charcoal drawings of birds. But over the last couple of years I've also added pastel. These drawings started off as an experiment in using the technique mentioned above while using birds as subjects. It seemed a natural way to move from my abstract work to naturalistic work. In doing so I have always tried to remain true to the actual appearance of the birds seen. So there is less artistic freedom than my abstract work where there were no such limitations. But that is fine. I don't want to just use birds as a vehicle for art. I always try to also be true to them and to celebrate them.
'Black-throated Blue and Tennessee Warbler in Devil's Walkingstick'. Based on photos and sketches from
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, October, June, 2010. 17x14, charcoal and pastel.
'Orchard Orioles and Nest'. Based on photos and sketches from
Morris Arboretum Wetlands, June, 2010. 17x14, charcoal and pastel.
'Cedar Waxwings at Wetlands'. Based on photos and sketches from
Morris Arboretum Wetlands, August, 2010. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.
'Goldfinch with Sachem at Wetlands'. Based on photos from Morris Arboretum
Wetlands, August, 2010. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.
'Hermit Thrush with Sandhill Cranes'. Based on sketches and photos from Boricon Marsh
in 2009. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.
'Immature Green Heron at Tinicum'. Seen at Tinicum (John Heinz NWR) in 2009. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.
'Palm, Reeds, Limestone, Lettuce'. Seen at Boricon Marsh, 2009. 23x29, charcoal and pastel.
'Great-crested Flycatcher'. Seen in Shenandoah National Park, 2009. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.
'Acadian Flycatcher'. Seen at Shenandoah National Park in 2009. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.
'Piping Plovers'. Seen at 'The Meadows' in Cape May, NJ , 2009. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.