Peregrine Falcon and White-throated Swifts

In this painting, I wanted to convey a plummeting, unstable feeling. I deliberately made one of the peregrine's wings almost touch the frame so that the line of the frame adds force to the hawk's dive. The misty trees and little cloud at the bottom also hold things in without destroying the dynamic momentum of the painting.

Snow can be used in paintings to reveal shape and structure, whether on the back of an elk or in the declivities and clearings of a mountainside. In "Peregrine Falcon & White-throated Swifts", the picture is structured to have thrust and force and motion and the snow fields are created to add that thrust.

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The peregrine falcon is a handsome raptor whose markings resemble a helmet. Found in most parts of the world, it prefers open country and nests high on cliffs.

Contributing to the peregrine falcon's streamlined appearance are its long, pointed wings, designed for speed, and its lengthy tail. With rapid wing strokes, it can move quickly on its target, nearly always captured in flight. Having seen its prey, the peregrine falcon gains height above it, then partially closes its wings to enable it to dive at tremendous speed. With its powerful hind claw it delivers the lethal blow. Its prey falls to the ground where the peregrine falcon descends to collect it. Powerful enough to knock a gull as large as itself from the sky, like all raptors, it is fascinating to watch in action. It is bold, powerful, graceful and most efficient in pursuit of its prey.