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Raptor Ridge Logo Raptor Ridge Falconry Art

Original Watercolor and Pastel over Watercolor Paintings of Birds of Prey   
by Mary Jo Aardsma

 

 

"Mary Jo's washy watercolor portraits are exquisite and unique.  Her style is loose, powerful, moody, with a pleasing balance of empty space and detail.  Most of her raptor subjects are known to her personally, and this intimacy gives her art attitude and liveliness.  Mary Jo's work is small and delicate, yet big in concept and design." SOAR

"Words cannot capture the essence of Mary Jo's hawks. She works in small, delicate, feather-like, intimate detail. She often makes use of the white or empty space on the paper to bring out the detail of a raptor's eyes and face. She captures the essence, the individuality of the raptors she paints. her fascination with eyes brings us in close contact with the intensity and power of the raptor. Yet, there is also something fragile in these portraits. the artist presents an enthralling mixture of femnine delilcacy and masculine vigor." J. Morsicato

"It's all in the eyes babe. The reason why your minimalism works is because you manage to bring out the essence of the bird through its eyes. I have no idea how you do it, but your hawks are different from your falcons. I have a level of knowledge that gives me a deeper inherent understanding of the different species ... but regardless of one's background, you have the ability to hit a universal cord. My reactions to your work are emotional; that is your strength. You have figured out your nitch, and every year you are refining it. The critic is right; technically a hawk is not hard to paint,but capture its soul?" S. Patterson

I welcome you to view my work. Mary Jo Aardsma

Paintings:  Each original watercolor is painted on Arches Watercolor paper and is floated, matted, and mounted with archival board.  The paper size is approximately 8"x10" and is deckle-edged.   The matted size is 14"x14".  Unless otherwise indicated, my paintings are framed.  The frames are very plain, in a natural ash with the outside measurement of 15"x15".

 

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"Joey"  Cooper's Hawk-22   2000
$500

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"Joey"  Cooper's Hawk-23   2000
$600 (sold)

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[ Home ] [ Paintings ] [ About the Artist ]
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