Title: Self-Portrait, as a Bird, Wood Stork

Size: 22 inches wide by 30 inches high

Medium: Limited Edition Fine Art Replica Print Ink Drawing

Paper: Hahnemuhle photo rag paper

Authentic: Signed by artist Andrew Naeger

Part of an ongoing series of bird portraits inspired by people I know, personalities I love or the nature of people and mannerisms I observe. One of my goals beyond documenting birds in my own style to bring attention to nature, the wild species of this world and the importance of their habitats, but also draw out similarities in comparisons to humans. Bringing the two closer together.

Each portrait in this series take 1 to 3 months to complete. The line styles and patterns change based on not only the genetics of the bird, but their personality I’m also trying to capture. Non are technical drawings per se, but feel close to nature. If you study close you will find some purposeful differences, especially in the eyes. Most to be more rounded to feel more human save a few examples.

This is a reflection of my role as a Father, married, with 3 daughters and partly the physical attributes of this tall thin legged bird.

I am not hefty or football shaped, but I do perch above long legs. Wood Storks breed in fresh and brackish forested wetlands. They forage in wetlands, swamps, ponds, and marshes, especially those with an open canopy.

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