Original artwork description:

A portrait of fading species: Progne subis.

Purple martin is the largest swallow in North America. Their dark blackish-blue feathers have an iridescent sheen caused by the refraction of incident light giving them a bright blue to deep purple appearance. Being migratory, their breeding range extends from central Alberta down through the eastern United States, and their overwintering site is in South America. They are known for their speed, agility, and their characteristic mix of rapid flapping and gliding flight pattern. When approaching their nesting site, they will dive from the sky at great speeds with their wings tucked.
They symbolize prosperity, wealth and good luck in many traditions, which is why the painting has a symbol for good luck in the background.
Purple martins suffered a severe population crash in the 20th century widely linked to the release and spread of European starlings in North America. European starlings and house sparrows compete with martins for nest cavities. If you want to help this species get some martin houses and place them in your backyard, 40 ft from trees if possible.

Materials used:

oil on wood panel

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