nature #216 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The drawing presents a study focused on a raptor, likely a hawk or similar bird of prey. The composition is dominated by three depictions of the creatures head in profile, arranged around a central figure showing the body and legs perched upon what appears to be a snow-covered log or rock.
The artist employed a watercolor technique characterized by loose washes and layered details. A warm palette prevails, with ochres, browns, yellows, and touches of red creating a sense of natural light reflecting off the bird’s plumage. The feathered texture is rendered through delicate brushstrokes that suggest both softness and sharpness, capturing the intricate patterns of the feathers.
The three head studies are not presented as static portraits; they convey a dynamism through slight variations in angle and expression. One appears to be calling out, its beak slightly open, while another seems to be observing intently. This repetition emphasizes the bird’s alertness and predatory nature. The central figure, with its body angled towards the viewer, reinforces this impression of vigilance.
The inclusion of a small, dark shape in the lower left corner – possibly a rodent or other prey – further underscores the hawks role as a predator within an ecosystem. It is rendered with less detail than the bird itself, suggesting it’s secondary to the main subject. The snow-covered ground provides a stark contrast to the warm tones of the bird and adds depth to the scene.
The handwritten inscription in the upper right corner, of the hawk and his work, offers insight into the artists intention. It suggests that this is not merely an observational study but also a contemplation on the hawk’s purpose – its role as a hunter and its place within the natural world. The phrase implies a certain respect for the bird’s function and skill, elevating it beyond a simple subject of artistic representation.
Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of quiet observation and reverence for the natural world, focusing on the power and beauty of a single creature within its environment.