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Artwork (Traditional) / Animal related (non-anthro)
Species Avian (Other)
Size 711 x 950
File Size 744.2 kB
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Nothing makes me quite as sad as birds that went extinct within the past 100 years. The Carolina parakeet was the only parrot native to North America, and the last one died in 1918. Their extinction was due to habitat destruction and hunting. Their feathers were much sought after for decorations in women's hats. With the demand for farmlands, much of their habitat was cut down. These two factors resulted in their decline, and eventual extinction.
This painting was especially challenging, since there are obviously no living Carolina Parakeets to study. I had to use photographs of skins to understand their coloration, and reference the illustrations of artists such as John James Audubon to get a feel for these birds' behavior.
The tree they are perched in is the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata), which was another species to meet its destruction in the early 20th century. These trees went from being one of the most plentiful trees in the eastern United States, to being wiped out, with populations being sparse in other parts of the country.
Watercolor and a bit of acrylic on illustration board, 8 X 10 inches
This painting was especially challenging, since there are obviously no living Carolina Parakeets to study. I had to use photographs of skins to understand their coloration, and reference the illustrations of artists such as John James Audubon to get a feel for these birds' behavior.
The tree they are perched in is the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata), which was another species to meet its destruction in the early 20th century. These trees went from being one of the most plentiful trees in the eastern United States, to being wiped out, with populations being sparse in other parts of the country.
Watercolor and a bit of acrylic on illustration board, 8 X 10 inches
Category Artwork (Traditional) / Animal related (non-anthro)
Species Avian (Other)
Size 711 x 950px
File Size 744.2 kB
Listed in Folders
I was JUST thinking about these little guys the other day. :/ As an avid lover of birds, parrots especially, it's so sad to know that our country has wiped out such a precious native species.
On happier notes, this is, as I have come to expect from you, absolutely amazing. <3
On happier notes, this is, as I have come to expect from you, absolutely amazing. <3
I am instantly reminded of the lyrics of David Bazan from the song "penetration" which I think sum up the short sighted ideals that are responsible for the destruction of many beautiful species like those you have expertly depicted in the image above:
".......
Cause if it isn't making dollars
Then it isn't making sense
If you aren't a moving unit
Then you're not worth the expense
If you really want to make it
You had best remember this:
If it isn't penetration
Then it isn't worth a kiss
...."
but when they're gone, as they are now, we finally realize that it was The Kiss that was the one thing worth remembering. Not the hats or the hunting.... but the sights and sounds now missing from the forests of north America that are irreplaceable.
".......
Cause if it isn't making dollars
Then it isn't making sense
If you aren't a moving unit
Then you're not worth the expense
If you really want to make it
You had best remember this:
If it isn't penetration
Then it isn't worth a kiss
...."
but when they're gone, as they are now, we finally realize that it was The Kiss that was the one thing worth remembering. Not the hats or the hunting.... but the sights and sounds now missing from the forests of north America that are irreplaceable.
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