Stories from the artist

This blue and gold Macaw is Pinto. He lived close by with friends of mine. He was released to fly free most sunny days. Painting this beautiful bird took months. At first glance a blue Macaw's wings are vibrant blue but it's an illusion. The feathers have many subtle hues ranging from a coppery green to violet and iridescent indigo. [...]

Birds’ instinctive and learned artistry in building their nests is a constant source of wonder.   Most of us enjoy strolling along a beach, collecting driftwood and shells. However, for some birds this exercise is necessary to build a home and to ensure their chicks are safe.   This painting was inspired by a Caspian Tern’s nest. Terns are migratory diving birds and make do with very little on seashores and estuaries. They often dig a shallow depression in the sand then disguise their nest with what nature provides – shells, driftwood and seaweed. Tern eggs are especially vulnerable to being taken by gulls and [...]

In Kenya, I watched a Weaver Bird work its magic hanging upside-down as it meticulously knitted blades of grass into an empty cocoon shape. At day’s end a female examined the completed nest and settled in. It was a success. Unacceptable nests are dismantled and tossed to the ground by the female. [...]