Framed Oil painting 36 x 30 (image size) Oil on canvas

Pelican Face-Time ~ Coming face to face with a Brown Pelican!

Most people these days enjoy FaceTime on their phones or computers as a way of feeling even closer to whomever they are speaking with. Call me old fashioned, but I like my face-time to be live, like it was with this Brown Pelican at Shem Creek!

As I photographed this striking pelican it turned and looked straight at me. It had me at hello!

They love to make eye-contact and let you know that they are aware of all that is going on around them. I always say to myself when they stare me down, “Why such a long face?” :)

Their long bills are weathered looking with subtle color variations and texture, which I find both interesting and enjoyable to paint. I’ve painted quite a few pelican paintings over the years but this is my first full frontal.

Whenever I post a photograph of a pelican staring into my lens, I usually get humorous responses like, “Make my day” or “Here’s looking at you kid!” People tend to project human emotions and characteristics on pelicans because pelicans are so expressive in nature.

I know I felt a connection when I looked into her eyes. We had a moment where I think we bonded. :) It’s more likely that she was hoping I had some bait fish with me and that I might feed her.

There were a couple other points of interest that helped me decide to paint this particular bird. I like the white head feathers with little tufts of brown feathers. I also like the way the light lights up the curve of her neck on the left side.

Shem Creek, in Mount Pleasant, is a wonderful place to observe Brown Pelicans. They love to chase the fishing boats on their way out and into the Creek’s harbor. You can spot them on shrimp boats, pilings, and all around the docks.