#2738 "Cedar Waxwings"

#2738 "Cedar Waxwings"
Oils on 16 X 20 inches by 1.5 inches in depth (Gallery Mount)

Cedar Waxwings arrive at the Singleton Sanctuary in boisterous flocks throughout the year. They are a pleasure to watch and hear as they flit rapidly through the branches searching for fruit. 

   

The Cedar Waxwing is a medium-sized, sleek bird with a large head, short neck, and short, wide bill. Waxwings have a crest that often lies flat and droops over the back of the head. The wings are broad and pointed, like a starling's. The tail is fairly short and square-tipped. The waxwing's black mask has a thin white border and the eyes are almost indiscernible. Immature birds are streaked on the throat and flanks, and often do not have the black mask of the adults. Males and females look alike. 

The Cedar Waxwing is smaller and browner than their close relative, the Bohemian waxwing which breeds farther to the north and west. Bohemian Waxwings are only about an inch longer than Cedar Waxwings but are nearly double their weight. Bohemians are chunky while Cedars are svelte. The oldest observed cedar waxwing was just over eight years old. 

The art is done when I start to dab and the
"In Progress" looks just like the one from 
several days before meaning that there is not
much more to be said by the brush strokes.

I try to take an "in progress" image at the end of every Studio session. Sometimes I forget or am not satisfied with the progress. Those memories help me visualize my journey along the way with each painting. These series of bird paintings were on and off the Studio easel over the course of several weeks in January and February 2023. The designs were somewhat abstract and I needed to keep moving things around in order to feel satisfied with the oils. 

This is another work is based on a terrific photo taken by my friend and naturalist John Verburg. John has graciously encouraged me to work from any of his fine images that chronicle the precious natural environment of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. John has a gift for capturing the essence as well as the beauty of nature. Achieving these images requires more than skill and knowledge of optics and modern camera technology but also considerable patience waiting for that special moment. Our desire is that upon viewing nature through his photographs and perhaps my art, more people will appreciate the vital importance of protecting the natural world. A healthy habitat takes thousands of years to develop but can be irretrievably destroyed in brief hours under the guise of development. Thank you John. 

I inadvertently painted this canvas upside down according to the text on the back. I have done that once or twice before and always attributed that to my dyslexia. 

For this and much more art, click on Pixels.

Warmest regards and keep your paddle in the water,

Phil Chadwick