I was in the Thanksgiving spirit this November and decided to try painting a turkey. What began as a seasonal experiment quickly became one of my favorite pieces in the Wesleyville Collection. On the back of the panel, I wrote these words:
“Among the trees, bare and ready for winter, the stately bird winds its way majestically through the leaves. Silently unaware of my watchful eye, he goes about his business peacefully and serenely.”
The Turkey captures that quiet, dignified moment in oil. Painted alla prima—a wet-on-wet technique completed in one sitting—the piece embraces spontaneity and expressive energy. Each brushstroke conveys movement and depth, creating a looser, more painterly texture that reflects the turkey’s graceful stride through the late-autumn woods.
Rich, earthy tones and a moody background lend a sense of warmth and reflection, making this painting a fitting homage to the season and its natural beauty. It offers a fresh, heartfelt interpretation of traditional wildlife art, perfect for collectors who appreciate the poetry of everyday moments in nature.
Details:
- Size: 9″W × 12″H
- Medium: Oil on primed wood panel
- Frame: Not included (painted sides provide a finished look)
- Collection: Wesleyville Collection
- Date: November 3, 2022