gather

Original oil painting

Unframed, cradled panel sides are finished with clear varnish.
Painting is wired and ready to hang.
Signed, titled and dated on back.

Animals often develop symbiotic relationships, as in the case of different species of birds that clean the teeth of animals (most notably birds that clean crocodile and alligator teeth). I wanted to contrast an African animal with a North American bird to create a more symbolic idea of symbiosis. As I was working on the painting, and while working on the bird, I began thinking about the painting in terms of facing one's fears, the bird's head is turned looking into the gaping mouth of the hippo.

Tags: bird  mixed media  brown  north america