Cranes Over Kearney IMG_9111

Cranes Over Kearney is a representational watercolor painting in impressionistic style.  The painting shows flocks of Sandhill Cranes in flight with enough detail to render them recognizable, but set against a sunset background that is flamboyantly brilliant and abstract.  This combination of the abstract and the realistic is always the challenge that inspires me.  I loved seeing the migration of these wonderful birds in Kearney, Nebraska, flying with enough space between them so as not to bump into each other, but close enough to use their special telegraphy  to change direction as as one body.  To honor them, I wanted to paint their  special characteristics, such as the red spot on their heads, long necks, heavy bodies and widespread wings.  However, a painting, to me, must give equal honor to the medium of watercolor: it's  transparency, brilliance and capacity for the magical blends, lacy spreads and dramatic power.  This combination is the mystery of art.  

Cranes over Kearney is 32" x 42", painted on 300 lb. Arches watercolor paper, float mounted and double matted with conservation materials, framed in a  pecan wood frame and glazed with non glare glass.