Framed oil painting

14 x 12 (image size) oil on board

Taking a Stance ~ a Brown Pelican’s pose!

With a fisherman a few feet away, this Brown pelican wasn’t camera shy at all.   He was very focused on getting a free handout of fish.  He allowed me to get very close and cooperated by taking a stance, one that projected confidence and steadfastness. 

Although a free meal is nearly certain, he casts an occasional glance out toward the open water knowing there are plenty of fish in the sea!  

The sandy beach has hints of wetness, created by a light wash of raw sienna over the sandy surface.  The Pelican sees the approaching surf but knows it is of no concern.  His broadly based webbed-feet are firmly planted and he isn’t at all worried about being overpowered or getting his feet wet.  ☺

After my last textured painting, Windswept, I decided to employ traditional oil painting techniques in Taking a Stance, to produce a smooth surface.  I kept the palette traditional and developed the feather pattern to the point of being well defined without becoming too illustrative. 

The Brown Pelican is a bird with an abundance of character and personality.  I find their behavior fascinating.  It was this Pelican’s pose that made him stand out and compelled me to paint him.