SOLO EXHIBITION
SOLO EXHIBITION
SOLO EXHIBITION
The World's Leading Contemporary Fine Art Gallery
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The World's Leading Contemporary Fine Art Gallery
Norman
Nelson
UNITED STATES
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“Glazing techniques require layers of paint well dried before light washes of color are applied.”
Norman Nelson Arts and The Peregrine Fund, present, THE HAWK, an art show on birds of prey by artist Norman Nelson. The show was started in l980 with the first oil on canvas raptor painting called, “The Falcon and the Eagle” a large painting depicting a Prairie Falcon attacking a Golden Eagle that has invaded its territory. The idea came from Morley Nelson, Norman’s father an internationally known conservationist and well-known falconer. Morley was instrumental in helping with the recovery work for the endangered Peregrine Falcon.
An arctic Anatum Peregrine Falcon in flight over the nesting cliff habitat
Norman’s art mentor, John Collias, a professional oil portrait painter helped with techniques and approaches to wildlife paintings as well inspiring more artful experimentation. Norman painted Peregrines in the l980’s in response to the worldwide efforts to save the falcon from extinction. Three significant paintings on eagles were completed with critiques from Mr. Collias.
Giclee prints only of this painting portrait of a Golden Eagle
“Eagle Eyes”, was the first larger format painting. It was nontraditional in the fact that the head is full frame, proportionally correct but unrealistically large. The result is a striking predator portrait with thick paint and glazing strokes over the eyes to give impact.
“As better works came forth larger format efforts challenged the approaches.”
Norman wanted a new style for his works and studied European wildlife artist’s techniques, materials, and approaches with the idea of bringing motion and less detail to the work. The layers in paints cover the dark underpainting with swift brush strokes using thin mixtures so the under layers are just visible.
“The glaze in painting reduces detail and gives an illusion of action, and motion.”
Since Peregrines are the fastest birds for prey and eagles are the largest these new approaches and techniques convey the reality of birds of prey in their speed and against their vast habitats. In the earlier work the background was detailed with hard edges. The six new paintings emphasize the birds against an abstract background.
Portrait of the Greenland White Gryfalcon
“When Covid hit in 2020 I was confined to my studio and decided to finish The Hawk show by completing six new pieces.”
The Great Gray Owl in flight
“The Harpy at the Nest” shows a Harpy Eagle sitting with its young. The glazing technique gives motion to the soft feathers of the bird’s chest as shown in a light breeze. Even though the bird is standing still it has a feel of movement.
The South American Harpy Eagle, the World's largest is shown overseeing young at the nest.
“Red Tail Ascending”, emphasizes the action and motion of the powerful takeoff event. The wings, legs, and talons are in motion and show no details. In reality a person would see only a flash of color and shape. The hawk’s head and shoulders are in less motion and therefore reveal more detail with Idea of bringing the viewer to that interest area.
Falcon and Eagle depicts a falcon attacking an eagle who has entered its territory. Artist property, prints available
“Golden Eagle Approach”, is an action landing scene where the bird’s legs are extended to land and the wings are powerfully sweeping to slow down. This offers an excellent opportunity to reveal glazing techniques with layer upon layer of paint finished with swift rehearsed brush strokes.
Osprey bring fish to the nest in the Teton Valley
“The Mystery Owl is a good example of separating the bird from its background thus emphasizing the subjects focus for the viewer.”
Bald Eagle taking off with
Tamaracks in the background
Norman worked as a director cameraman and made Peregrine, a 20-minute documentary on the Peregrine Falcon Recovery. He was a practicing falconer specializing in Golden Eagle training.
Red Tailed Hawk taking off
The Hawk art show is designed to inspire an appreciation for birds of prey in action and to conserve the public lands upon which they depend.
Golden Eagle Landing