JOHN COSTIN STUDIO

NNow considered to be extinct; the Ivory Billed Woodpecker was once the largest woodpecker in North America (second largest in the world). Several years ago, there were rumors of a sighting in Arkansas but nothing was confirmed. I had always wanted to do an etching of this bird, so I made a trip to the Field Museum in Chicago where I was able to study several (deceased) specimens. The etching process complements the rich, cool black feathers of these Ivory-bills. A stunning 3 plate hand-colored etching with hand-painting created with transparent watercolors make this a spectacular piece of art. These life sized birds against this dramatic backdrop make a powerful image.