RESCUED – Storm Petrel
$92 – $850
RESCUED – Storm Petrel Storm Petrel illustration drawing
ORIGINAL FOR SALE – POA @ this link.
PROVERB
Lost in the storms of living
Battered and bruised
Functions all but exhausted
Fear gave way to kindness
Restoration
The pick me up
A flight into the future Storm Petrel illustration drawing
THE STORY
The summer was enticing, hot, and attractive with pleasurable pursuits in warm ocean currents on offer.
Aha, but this particular summer week was about to unleash a storm not called for. Not all was to be an endless cycle of sunshine and playfulness. The Pacific ocean became a 3-day caldron of windswept waves without relief. Only the hardy found it within to brave the elements and continue pursuing natural summer pursuits.
Normally I would venture out for a windsurf but never one to be bored, I changed my plans and sheltered indoors creating new artworks. I mused, let the storm pass, and dream of later adventures into the wild for a quick peek at the wreckage and planed windsurfing on a later day at Snells Beach.
The Little Storm Petrel Storm Petrel illustration drawing
The caldron passed and the opportunity to survey the damage was appealing.
I walked down the hill to the beach and there he was!
Storm-battered, in shock, and looking for some comfort from the unrelenting wind.
Compassion gripped my heart, a beach towel gripped in my hands and a plan hatched to rescue this little one for a few days TLC.
My inner vision, to see Storm Petrel recover and fly off into the ocean blue yonder after the storm passed. Not all creation is cruel and the knowledge of new life after a storm moved me to give time and nurse him back to normal functions.
A warm bed (towel in a cardboard box) some bread soaked in milk, and some soft talk created a two-day welcome environment for recovery. Storm Petrel relaxed and was a happy little cared for. creature.
And there I was, a feeling contented concerned helper. In the midst of care, fears it may not survive willed me on with an open prayer for its pain and shock to abate quickly. Little did I know I was going to have an Aha! moment.
A dream fulfilled on the kitchen table
In my satchel were drawing implements and a sketch block. Why don’t I make this little one world-famous as he recovers? A great idea on day two.
Little Storm Petrel was still showing signs of exhaustion, and trust had developed in my handling his affairs.
This encouraged me to take him from his bedroom to the kitchen table. He relaxed, closed his eyes, and contented allowed me to draw to my heart’s content.
I imagined we both knew he would soon fly away leaving me with this story to tell. On that day there would be two happy campers. One found new life from a battering, the other found new pleasure in rescuing.
Day two came and passed.
Day three dawned and new life was found offering with Little Storm Petrel showing a vigorous new look in its eyes. I guess it could smell fresh fishing in the sounds of a calm ocean and that appeal moved me to plan a moment of release.
Donkey farm, a fence post, and a flight to freedom
Back into his bedroom, but this time it was different. The roof was drawn shut and the bedroom became a dark taxi adventure to Donkey Farm track in Algies Bay.
I imagined Little Storm Petrel thinking, “What are you doing to my comfort” as the dark of his temporary bedroom became a prison on the road to freedom.
Hang in there little one and soon you will fly with the passion of new life. Trust me!
Gentle sounds of a caregiver’s reassuring talk, opening and closing car doors, and the slow-motion walking a cobbled path down to the clifftop fence began the journey to freedom.
Mixed in this journey is the air of anticipation as the roof opened to a calm sea and small slivers of blue sky breaking tr through the clouds.
Little Storm Petrel perked up as I placed him on the fence rail and there I prepared my last farewells with a photography session. He waited and contemplated the moment before his takeoff. I imagine processing the memories of a storm, a rescue, the comfort of his bedroom, free food (maybe a little bland but welcome), the studio life drawing session, and the kind words and strokes of his caregiver.
And it all changed in the blink of an eye, his moments of reflection turned to puffed-up feathers, pumped little leg muscles and the desired launch functioned without drama. Little Storm Petrel was back in the domain of his freedom.
I was conscious God gave me everything to enjoy and take care of and on that note, Little Storm Petrel introduced me to more selfless pleasures.
The technique
The challenge to illustrate and control pencil leads to mid-tone *(Chiaroscuro) sensitive capture of the feathers and shape of the bird challenged me to experiment. In this case, I wanted a more chunky pencil stroke. A soft 6b pencil of choice was combined with heavy hand strokes on archival, acid-free watercolor paper.
* Chiaroscuro (Italian for light-dark) in art is the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition.
STATUS and MATERIALS
ORIGINAL FOR SALE * $495
6b lead pencil on archival, acid-free watercolor paper framed on acid-free photo mount board.
* Original and Limited Edition reproductions are supplied with Provenance, coded Authentication of Sale Certificate, and maintenance/care information.
15 LIMITED EDITIONS “PENCIL ENHANCED” CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS
Please ask about the price and sizes.
50 LIMITED EDITIONS CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS *
Unframed sizes | 850 x short side – $850 | 550 x short side – $550
Printed on long-life archival canvas. Protected with two coats of UV archival spray.
* Stretch mounted reproductions will incur added charges for mounting and freight.
OPEN EDITION POSTER ART PRINTS *
Unframed sizes | 594 x short side – $120 | 420 x short side – $92
* Posters printed on fine art papers and treated with two coats of UV archival spray.
FASHION and PRODUCTS
Images from “Rescued Storm Petrel” will not be exhibited on Women’s Fashions through Vida and multiple product lines at Fine Art America
SHIPPING
- Includes insurance and package/handling fees.
- The Original and Limited Edition reproductions ship with the Provenance coded Authentication of Sale Certificate and maintenance information.
- Poster art prints ship in insured tubes.
