Crows in Scotland and in Chicago

Here’s the second in the series of Scottish birds in Scottish places, but it owes a lot to Chicago. When I was growing up in Chicago, my parents’ closest friends were two other artists, Max Kahn and Eleanor Coen. I was very fond of them, and I also loved their work. They both had a wonderful feeling for animals and I have several of their prints on my walls now. One of my favourites is a big woodcut of Max’s, of crows sitting on a cactus

Max's crows

The other day as we were driving through Banchory, our local market town, I saw a flock of crows alighting on a bare tree, just as they’d done in Max’s print. So I combined a Max Kahn style with some Scottish crows

 

Banchory crows

The feet aren't quite right - I thought that by making them flat-footed it would make them look as if the birds were just about to land on the tree, but it didn't quite work out like that. Also I think I should have given all the crows two wings. But it will be a simple matter to change both those things

 

Comments

[Mari]

Fantastic work! I live near a little town called Crowland, and this name was given for a reason... Reminds me your art work a lot. And shape of the original birds is transferred si well. Congratulations

[Deena]

Crows are such clever birds. We have many where I live just south of Seattle. Love your crows. The center crow near the top of the tree with his feet flexed a but upward looks just like he is putting on the breaks and wondering if he is landing a bit too fast. Great job Mia, thanks for sharing.

[Robbie Lloyd]

I love these - I'm so glad I clicked on the picture to get a larger view. You are sooooo talented!!! Thanks for sharing with us.

[rambou]

Oh, I love this, I have to disagree with you on the feet, It does look like they are starting to land. Great job.

[Lisa Cox]

Wonderful job! I like the different postures.

[asprag]

nice switch from cactus to tree--crown of branches against blue swirly sky, great backdrop for substantial and clever birds.

[Patty Hoffman]

I like the wing variations, some one, some two. Love the lacy tree canopy you've created for this murder!