The Getaway

How many times does one see a kestrel diving at its prey? Every time, I wish to be part of the scene, at least to be able to see it happen from close range. So, my great desire is now realized in this new kestrel painting. The reason why I could do this painting was because I got such a good opportunity to do great fieldwork with a wonderful male kestrel. Nobody could ever make such a painting without photographic documents. The diving of this bird goes so fast that only a good camera can record it. A tame bird can make this easier. Falconers hunt with falcons and hawks. It is the only way one can see the hunt of such a magnificent little falcon from close range. The photographs serve as an aid to build the position of the bird just before it catches (or misses) its prey. I had to obtain reference of a running mouse. Pictures of the bird on a glove served as reference for the real texture of the feathers. To me, the color combination and the dark spots of the male kestrel make it the most beautiful of all falcons. There might be some discussion about the background. I took some artistic license to bring the dandelions and bluebells together. Bluebells start blooming in June (depending on the area). The real abundant blooming of the dandelion happens mostly in May, although dandelions bloom until October, but not as rich as in my painting. (If you are a real art lover, you will forgive me).