76cm x 51cm

Where to start…..these were a breeding pair of pigeons which had made their nest in a rusted water drain near my home.  I took about 1000 photographs of these two, and I spent more weekends than I should admit to going down to their spot trying to capture them! 

I love the texture of rust, and drawing it, I love the old weathered look.  This was right next to the sea and showed the effects of the weather so well.  There is so many different facets to focus on here, this is what actually lead to me completing the pigeons eye in colour, to draw focus towards the pigeon.  There is a lot to absorb…the texture in the feathers, the rust itself, the wall….I love hearing the different reactions this one gets.  Many see a hare in the piece, others focus on the eyes, all of which together add to it.  

It took more than 100 hours to bring this to life on paper.

Charcoal and coloured pencil on paper.