Red-tailed hawks

[Laurene]

This was the first time I tried my hand at something more complex that a straight portrait, creating a composition of my own. As I recall, I had planned a study of the hawks face when Mike challenged me to try something a little different.

The idea was to try to tell a story through a drawing. I researched the hawks natural history and came up with several facts, such as although they migrate their winter range stretches as far north as southern Canada, so a snow scene made sense. They mate for life and remain paired outside of nesting season. They often hunt in pairs and find a high perch to scan for prey. Research like this made a daunting task much easier!

Oh, and all of this happened on a previous forum. If Mike hadn't challenged me, I wouldn't have thought I could do something like this. I still believe that forums are one of the best ways to grow and learn as an artist.

[ElaineH]

This is so atmospheric Laurene, I love it . I was interested to hear how you researched the subject and turned it into a story rather than a portrait. Did you feel differently about the drawing after investing much more of yourself in it?

[Laurene]

Yes I did. It's much more enjoyable to bring your own vision to life on paper!

There's more to the research than what I wrote here. The male and female hunt as a pair. If they spot a prey animal, one of the hawks will fly off and circle behind the prey driving it toward his/her mate. I had a good reference for the front hawk getting ready to fly from it's perch but Mike generously provided the reference for the standing hawk!

The forest was taken in part from a photo taken after a snow storm from the second story of my sister's house. Once I had created the story in my mind, it was easier than I thought to create it on paper.

[Tim8031]

Excellent job very atmospheric and slightly mystical experience

[melblfk]

This makes so much sense. It's really going to help when I have an idea for a drawing but don't really know where to start. Lovely drawing.

[Laurene]

Thanks Tim ad Mel!

[Tim8031]

Terrific piece. I love your work. I especially your owls. I love owls but their feathers are a special kind of trickery to the eyes. Lol

[Mike Sibley]

I've just realised... as an interesting piece of trivia....

That this paired-for-life duo are rather unique. One is Canadian and the other is British -a Yorkshire bird to be exact. I photographed mine at a game show while it was on display standing on a hook in the ground

[Laurene]

Yes! Your red-tail and mine seem to go together quite well!! I always appreciated the use of your reference Mike because it was the perfect fit for mine. I also remember fluffing his feathers a little and adding a few feathers on his legs just to keep him warm in our great white north!!

[PogArtTi]

So beautiful drawing Laurene...
So detailed, and warm feelings regarding those birds bonded together for their lifespan ...
Awesome art