My submission for the RARE 2012 Anthro Calendar. I was asked to create a piece featuring the Thunderbird. This year's calendars have a ton of amazing artists participating. You can preorder here: http://www.ashalind.com/anthrocalen...../ordering.html

In traditional Native American legends, the Thunderbird shoots lightning out of his eyes. His wings are so strong and so massive, that thunder crashes with every wingbeat. The red zigzag is considered to be his symbol.

Although I researched traditional Thunderbird legends to create this piece, I put my own spin on it - this is not meant to be 100% accurate to legend! I based the bird roughly on a bald eagle, since most Northwest legends seemed to reference that specific raptor as being inspiration for the Thunderbird.

Watercolor, colored pencils, white gouache and white gel pen on hot-press Fabriano, 8.5 X 11 inches.