Red Shouldered Hawk Open Edition Print

Description

The print size is 11" X 14". It is an open-edition print.

I spent some time in the Florida Everglades a few years back. It was winter and birds were everywhere. We were driving down some deserted road in the preserve when I spotted this red-shouldered hawk on a low limb. It was very attentive, looking around and calling out to another hawk in the distance. Because it was constantly scanning the environment, I called the finished oil painting "Vigilance".

The painting took on a new meaning when some time later, I shared it with a friend who is in federal law enforcement. It reminded him of 9/11, and how he felt the country was caught unaware--we were not vigilant enough. I composed a small message for the print at that time and we had prints made for a tactical officer event that same year. The message reads:

"With a watchful eye, the successful captor is ever vigilant."

Whatever message people attribute to it, a lot of people are struck by this piece. When I painted it, I had a feeling it would be very special.

This print ships flat.

Added on Aug 31, 2009