Opportunist (Swainson's Hawk)

As we burned the native grass pastures this past April, I noticed some hawks hunting along the burn line, looking for rodents who may run from the fire line....these Swainson's Hawks apparently know for being opportunists, purposefully seeking out pasture fires, looking for easy hunting grounds.

I was fascinated by the process but, tending to and controlling a raging fire demands all of one's attention, and is certainly not a time for picture taking! I had to recreate this image from my memory and using some reference photos I took during a different,  less intense phase of burning when things were under control by my husband, so I could grab my camera and snap some fire shots.

This painting is primarily acrylic, but then oil paint was added to portions of the foreground.  It is a gallery wrapped canvas and the image is painted to continue around the edges.

This piece was juried into the 5th Annual MVIS National Exhibit scheduled for April 8-June 4, 2016 at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, 2818 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64506, (816) 233-7003.

http://albrecht-kemper.org/exhibitions/missouri-valley-impressionist-society-juried-exhibition/

I was given an "Award of Merit" for this painting.

Prints available here: kansasartgallery.artstorefronts.com/susan-rose

Also this image available in my designer clothing VIDA- Voices Collection and CafePress Items. Check out my "Links" page for more information.