CUSTOM RED-TAILED HAWKS original paper collage

Every commissioned artwork begins with a thorough discussion with the client to determine general direction/theme, size and budget. While many begin with the Get Started form we often ask clients to complete a questionnaire for a more detailed description of the desired artwork. After these initial discussions, I create 1-2 starting sketches with pencil for the client to review theme, subject matter and overall composition. Then, once approved, I create color mock-ups to confirm the color scheme choices.

Tasked with creating a pair of Red-Tailed Hawks who hunt the fields and forests surrounding this Kentucky farm. Growing up in Virginia I was familiar with the terrain, and with the Sycamore trees living there, housing the hawks. These trees, which climb through the landscape like thick apparitions- their bone-white skin a beautiful contrast to the crimson, sage, and moss colored leaves of the surrounding forest. I decided to cast these trees in a different light, and pulling colors from the rivers, rain, bluegrass and shadows, rendered them in tones of cobalt, which sets off richly against the keen umber Hawks.