Monday, October 16, 2023

A Year of Swans

I've watched a family of mute swans grow up this year. Here's a smattering of my favorite paintings of this group.
The babies have survived some hair raising moments that I can only guess at. I did see them get swept over the dam twice and later, somehow come bobbing up and later join their relieved parents. I've seen their number dwindle only a little. Originally there were seven cygnets and I think six have fledged. Currently, four hang out together and I see them every few days.
I know mute swans are a problematic and aggressive species but I felt lucky to follow their progress this year.

01-03-23-swans01
ink
05-09-23-swans
pencil, ink
10-15-23-swans01
crayon, ink, charcoal
10-13-23-swans02
charcoal, pastel, ink
05-18-23-swans03
pastel, ink

10-13-23-swans01
pastel, ink, charcoal