David Johnson, Two Cranes, Watercolor and Collage on Paper, 14 X 21"

Watercolor and Collage on Paper, 14 X 21"

A lovely diptych of two dynamic cranes, seen in the context of a folio's two page spread. 

Of the recurrence in birds in his paintings, Dave has said that he often warms up in his painting sessions by opening up an Audubon book and painting a bird form. Intrigued with their expressive shapes, he also is interested in the way they move and their connectedness with another plane:

The thing about the Audubon book - I became interested in their shapes - of their claws, their beaks, their eyes...But also there are times when I started to think about birds in terms of representing visitations from people. It kind of sounds corny, but it makes me feel like you're not alone. - D.J.