Wednesday, January 21, 2009



Quail Crossing

Watercolor on paper, 6" x 6"
$125 plus $6 shipping in U.S.
SOLD


We have a lot of quail around here. It's fun watching them scurry along in a relaxed version of single file. This covey skitters across a snowy field toward a sheltering grove of golden willow.

Many times I've encountered large groups of these little birds darting across the road in front of me and felt certain I was going to run over them. But quail are evidently very good at computing distance and speed. Always at the very last instant the stragglers do a quick 180, while the leading edge turns on the afterburners, magically clearing a path for my truck.


NOTE: I can't post this without acknowledgement of what an historic day Tuesday was, with the inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States. The task ahead for him (and for us all) is daunting. But the quickening spirit of hope and renewal that is growing in this country is heartening. And I believe, as our new President believes, that together we will rise to the challenges ahead.

14 comments:

Pierre Raby said...

The amazing beauty of simple things-
a wonderful piece here Don.
-Pierre

Art By Erika said...

Wow this painting is so simple and very informative. Skillful handling of the medium I can't believe it's 6x6! It seems so effortless, you must have had the picture completed exactly in your head,down to the shadow on the foreground, before you painted it.

It was great day yesterday, may we all remember how positive we felt.

Deborah Paris said...

What an exquisite painting, Don. Bravo!

Don Gray said...

Pierre, thanks for your thoughts.

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Erika--though I began with a photo, very little about this painting was predetermined. The first wash began immediately to diverge from the reference, and then I just tried to respond to what the painting required, wash by wash. I'm pleased if the result looks more inevitable than the process was.

Don Gray said...

Deborah, I'm happy you like it--thanks a lot!

Dogs by Bri said...

Well said Don. We all must be the change we wish to see in the world.

Great job on this painting too.

Bri-

Don Gray said...

Thanks for your thoughts, Bri.

Sheila Vaughan said...

Don, so many of us here have been absolutely delighted by the rise of Barack Obama and confidence that as your new President he will use humanity, common sense and sheer hard work to get us all moving in the right direction again.

Rhonda Hurwitz said...

this absolutely wonderful. great work

Johnnie Sielbeck said...

This is a beautiful little painting!

Don Gray said...

Yes, Sheila, I think that's the general mood and feeling in this country too. People are frightened and angry, but also hopeful and guardedly optimistic.

Don Gray said...

Thanks a lot, Rhonda!

Don Gray said...

Hi Johnnie, thanks and welcome to my blog. I'm glad to get to know your fine work.