Sunday, May 2, 2010

Beauty and the Butterfly Paintings

Beauty and the Butterfly Painting Series

Cape Vulture
(also known as Cape Griffon)

California Condor

White-headed Vulture

Lappet-faced Vulture

Egyptian Vulture
Seeing a California condor with my own eyes made this project a priority. This particular condor was recovering from a serious bout of lead poisoning which she acquired by eating carrion shot with lead bullets.

Her wingspan is 9.5 ft., making her 10 ft. wide flight enclosure a tight squeeze! I had the privilege of watching as she was moved to this enclosure. She was cautious and so inquisitive. As she investigated her new surroundings, you could see her “wheels turning”. What a smart and beautiful girl. I am glad to say that she is well and on her way to being released back into her natural habitat.

Vultures don’t fall into what the masses consider beautiful and maybe that is why I adore them. It is my hope that this series will allow the viewer to see them in a different light.

1 comment:

  1. They are so awesome Layla. I really love the California Condor and the Egyptian Condor. You are so very talented.

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