Shall we Dance?
by AnnaJo Vahle
Buy the Original Painting
Price
Not Specified
Dimensions
16.000 x 20.000 x 0.250 inches
This original painting is currently for sale. At the present time, originals are not offered for sale through the AnnaJo Vahle - Website secure checkout system. Please contact the artist directly to inquire about purchasing this original.
Click here to contact the artist.
Title
Shall we Dance?
Artist
AnnaJo Vahle
Medium
Painting - Acrylic On Canvas
Description
Shall we Dance?
Feral pigeons, also called city doves, city pigeons, or street pigeons, are derived from domestic pigeons that have returned to the wild. The domestic pigeon was originally bred from the wild rock dove. The rock dove naturally inhabits sea-cliffs and mountains. Rock, domestic, and feral pigeons are all the same species and will readily interbreed. Feral pigeons find the ledges of buildings to be substitute for sea cliffs. The have adapted to urban life, and are abundant in towns and cities throughout much of the world.
I based this painting on a scene I saw in downtown Melbourne, Florida. I had just had dinner and was taking an evening stroll to get some much needed exercise and fresh air. The sun was just beginning to set and the shadows were long. A large flock of pigeons were by the boat docks along the Indian river. Most of them seemed to be involved in courting rituals. Courtship rituals can be observed in urban parks at any time of the year. The male on the ground or rooftops puffs up the feathers on his neck to appear larger. This is to impress or attract attention. He approaches the hen at a rapid walking pace. At the same time, he emits repetitive quiet notes, often bowing and turning as he comes closer.
At first, the female invariably walks or flies a short distance away. The male follows her until she stops. At this point, he continues the bowing motion. He very often makes full or half pirouettes in front of the female The male then proceeds to feed the female by regurgitating food, as the do when feeding the young.
The male then mounts the female, rearing backwards to be able to join their cloacae. The mating is very brief with the male flapping his wings to maintain balance on top of the female.
Pairs are monogamous, often breeding in consecutive seasons for as long as both birds of a pair live.
Most will attempt to raise several broods each year. Sometimes as many as four or five broods will be raised in a single year.
The breeding season of these birds can be all year provided climate conditions allow. There seems to be some slowing down during the winter months.
I used acrylic paints on a 16 inch by 20 inch gessobord support.
3rd Place win in the Pigeons and Doves Contest
1st Place Win in the Pigeons Contest
Uploaded
October 14th, 2016
Statistics
Viewed 1,689 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/18/2024 at 5:40 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments (54)
Laurel Adams
Many thanks for your entries made even more special by your response in the behind-the-scenes contest blog BUZzz!! Viewers of this exhibit will certainly have an enhanced appreciation of your artistry and the overall contest experience thanks to …your voice! So appreciated! BEST to you. AnnaJo, no wonder we often express our similarities!…my aunt Jill had the treasured book of Audubon prints and his work was my first “ teacher” as we went on our real life adventures, looking up birds and plants in his book. I might self characterize my portfolio as “Nature Abstracts meet Light” in different media. NO WONDER I Love Your work…masterful!
Sarah Irland
Congratulations, AnnaJo, on your 1st Place Win in the Pigeons Contest for this beautiful painting! Well deserved. Voted.
Hanne Lore Koehler
Magnificent painting, AnnaJo! Fantastic detail, color and light! Masterful composition! L/F
Sarah Irland
Congratulations, AnnaJo, on your 3rd Place win in the Pigeons and Doves Contest. So well deserved - this is a gorgeous painting! Voted.
Barbara Keith
Your wonderful work is being featured on Zoofari - Traditional Art Only. Please archive your work in the discussion area.
Hazel Holland
You so beautifully capture the pigeon dance, AnnJo!!! I see it all the time from my dining room window as I feed these beautiful birds daily! L/F
Danielle Rosaria
This is so awesome! I love it when these guys dance. You captured the attitude and spirit of these little birds. Wonderful work!
Heather King
Oh my gosh dear AnnaJo ♥ You have certainly captured/painted the true beauty and essence of these gorgeous pigeons ♥ f/l