The Idea for Larger Than Life, came about while exhibiting at wildlife show along the East Coast, I was surrounded by talented woodcarvers who specialized in birds native to that region. One day an exquisitely carved American Kestrel caught my eye. It's brilliant colors, intricate markings, and confident posture stayed with me long after the show had ended, inspiring me to create a painting that celebrated one of North America's smallest and most striking birds of prey.
As I developed the composition, I picked a 24" x 18" gesso board figuring I could get a nice closeup and catch all the details. I placed the Kestrel on a gently curving pine branch against a quiet woodland backdrop. Soft morning light filters through the trees, illuminating the bird, while the chiseled bark, delicate lichens, and the distant pines provide depth without competing for attention. It wasn't until I was well into the painting that I realized that the Kestrel was looking pretty good but I realized he might be a lot bigger than actual size. With a laugh, I said he's larger than life. I thought hey that's not bad for the title. That unexpected twist reminded me that even the smallest creatures can leave the greatest impression.
I approached this painting as both a detailed study and a celebration of color. Every feather was carefully layered to capture the kestrel's rich rusts, slate blues, and soft creams, while the surrounding pine bark, lichens, and needles were rendered with equal attention to texture. Warm sunlight filtering through the forest contrasts with the cool greens of the woodland, creating a natural balance that allows the kestrel to remain the unmistakable focal point. The result is a portrait that invites the viewer to pause and appreciate the remarkable beauty of a bird that is often overlooked because of it's size.
