Pale-headed Rosellas 2

This time I wanted to show a page from the 'Design Book', the sketchbook I use to plan and design what's in my mind before the actual painting. I developed this one from a few sketches (http://matteogrilli.blogspot.com/2011/04/pale-headed-rosellas.html) and a couple of photos collected from a walk at Toohey Forest, south Brisbane. Although these birds, now a favourite of mine, are so colourful, in some conditions of light they can camouflage extremely well within their environment. Also, I would like to share with you my joy after taking part in the Brisbane rally organized by Animals Australia against the live export of cattle and sheep, it was good to see how many people are passionate and caring about animal welfare, to know more follow the link: http://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/thousands-rally-against-live-export.php

Until next time!                                    Matteo

Kookaburra sketch + Walt Whitman's reflections

The Italian nature artist Angela Maria Russo http://angelamariarusso.blogspot.com/ commented on one of my  previous posts quoting the words written by the American poet Walt Whitman (1819-1892). I think his words, intentionally provoking, give food for thought and deserve to be shared.

'I think I could turn and live with animals,

 They are so placid and self contained,

I stand and look at them long and long.

They do not sweat and whine about their condition,

They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,

They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God,

Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with the mania of owning things,

Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that lived thousands of years ago,

Not one is respected or unhappy over the whole earth'.

Walt Whitman   Leaves of Grass

Until next time!                 Matteo