Work on this page are pastel and charcoal drawings of birds done since 2008. Stylistically
they are an outgrowth of the many abstract pastel and charcoal drawings that I did earlier in my career,
such as 'Chestnut Park Color #1'.
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, the same pattern I followed in my abstract work: first charcoal, then pastel and charcoal. 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.
'Great-crested Flycatcher'. Seen in Shenandoah National Park, 2009. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.
'Coopers Hawk With Prey 2010'. Seen in our backyard, 2010. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.
'Valley Green Geese and Mallard'. Seen at Valley Green along Wissahickon in Philadelphia in 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.
'Acadian Flycatcher'. Seen in Shenandoah National Park in 2008. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.
'Wood Duck and Ducklings'. Seen at John Heinz NWR in Philadelphia in 2008. 14x17, charcoal and pastel.
