While not really a picture to match the decor I was struck very much, when I found this penguin beneath the sign, by the complex nature of humanity. By how easy it is to be angered by the callous & cruel, without noticing, or crediting mans nurturing & protective instinct. As a species we are very fond of beating up on ourselves & bemoaning our crimes, but it is only because are more than our 'evils' that that we actually do this at all. So despite the initially critical impact of the picture, it is, in the end a celebration of our better qualities. Perhaps there is hope for us yet.
While not exactly a wild animal I found painting this picture much harder than any of the wild birds or animals I have ever painted. This was not just 'any animal' This was a painting of very specific animal and one I had never met personally, but which was done for people who loved him & knew intimately. Not just every marking, but every nuance of body language. And to a depth beyond even the subconcious. Working from a very few photos of him at various ages I was asked to paint him as he was when young, but sitting in the position he was in in a photograph taken when he was quite old & had thickened a bit with age. It was one of the most challenging pictures I've ever painted, but also possibly one of the most rewarding.
	Blue herons hunt the waters all around here & they're always beautiful to see but this one caught my eye in particular because it made me laugh, standing there in the water so patiently with it's neck bent in such a ludicrous fashion that it made me think of a handle, as if it was just waiting to be picked up.

Landscape Paintings | Other Art

All art on this website is © Debbie Kendrick 1995-2008. Any unauthorised use is prohibited. Website created by Rowan Stanley 2007.