This painting’s inspiration and title came from two of my former coworkers at the Cincinnati Zoo: Keeper Melanie Evans and Dorsey (an Eastern yellow-billed hornbill). Melanie took a series of Dorsey basking in the sun and graciously allowed me to use them as references for this painting. Although Dorsey was stationary and sitting on a branch when her photos were taken, she seemed to me to be in motion, her wings and feathers swooping and swirling almost like the skirts of a flamenco dancer. 

The abstract background is an experiment for me, and I am pleased with the results. In the past, I’ve tried making abstract pieces but they haven’t ever felt finished on their own. Conversely, when painting subjects in a more realistic fashion I struggle to make a background worthy of the subject. For this piece, I’ve tried to capture the glow and unparalleled feeling of warming oneself in the sunlight. That feeling must surely span so many species, from humans to housecats to hornbills.

The finished piece is 24″x 36″, making Dorsey much larger than life (though it certainly suits her).