JOHN COSTIN STUDIO

The Roseate Spoonbill is frequently seen in Florida especially in the Tampa Bay region where they have a large population. One of the few pink birds in North America. This etching is created using a single copper plate printed in black. All the colors you see are entirely done by hand with transparent watercolors. It is also part of a larger etching, “Florida Bird Series III”.

The Brown Pelican is commonly seen in Florida; especially near fishing boats and piers hoping for a handout. They have this large functional pouch under their beak that holds three gallons of water. This beautiful etching is created using a single copper plate hand-printed in black. All the color you see is entirely done by hand with watercolors. It is one of the pieces in the larger etching of four birds, “Florida Bird Series III.”

The White Pelican is a migratory bird that visits Florida in the winter, some travel all the way from Canada. They tend to fly in groups making an almost squadron flight pattern in the sky that is exciting to see. This etching is created using a single copper plate. All the color you see is entirely done by hand with transparent watercolors. It is one of four birds in the larger etching, “Florida Bird Series III.”

The Tri-colored Heron is a wading bird that is widespread in the coastal regions of the southern U.S. It can be found in shallow water areas searching for food. The distinctive white chest with grey feathers is a diagnostic feature of this bird. This etching is created using a single copper plate hand-printed in black ink. All the colors are entirely hand-painted with watercolors. It is one of the pieces in the larger etching of four; “Florida Bird Series III.”

This is a life size etching of a Painted Bunting, the most colorful songbird in North America. With the onset of climate change, their range is gradually modifying. The bird’s French name is “nonpareil”, which translates to “without equal”. The etching was created using one copper plate with under color and hand painted with transparent watercolors.

This stunning Black and White Warbler is a migratory bird that I am fortunate to see in Florida. It behaves very much like a woodpecker in the way they travel upside down on tree branches searching for prey. To physically assist in this behavior, they have an extra-long hind claw and heavier legs than other warblers. This warbler is depicted life size using one copper plate and is meticulously hand painted with watercolors.

This is a life size male Painted Bunting, the most colorful songbird in North America. Being an attractive bird comes with a price, they were caught and sold to collectors in Europe since the early 19th century, and to this day conservation groups still must protect them. With climate change their range is gradually modifying. This etching is a single plate printed in two colors, then hand-painted with transparent watercolors.

This prevalent songbird is found in every state except Alaska and Hawaii. They are the only finch to molt its body feathers twice a year, a great way to keep up appearances. They are also strict vegetarians with a specialized diet consisting of seeds, one reason many are found at bird feeders. This life size Goldfinch was created with one copper plate hand-printed in two colors, then hand-painted.

This single plate etching of a male Cardinal depicts this fashionable songbird life size. One of the most popular songbirds in the U.S., it is designated as the state bird for seven states. The males have a striking red coloration and a dark black throat and mask. Easy to spot in a green bush or tree. It is entirely hand painted with transparent watercolors.

be heard throughout the day and evening. Sometimes it is hard to believe that the number of songs vocalized are only coming from one bird! This lovely rendition of the Mockingbird is shown life size and is entirely hand painted with watercolors. It was created using one copper plate and two inks.

Known for their cheerful song; the American Robin is a common visitor to a large portion of the U.S. They can be seen on residential lawns foraging for worms while also visiting remote forested areas. In general, they produce three broods each year with an average of one survivor the first year, a necessity to keep their population numbers stable. This is a single plate etching that is entirely hand painted. The subject is depicted life size.

These birds have a sweet and beautiful song that resembles a high pitch flutelike whistle. While perched on a favorite spot in an open grassy field, they sing a tune that captures a moment of peacefulness and serenity. A popular bird, the Western Meadowlark is the state bird of six states. This is created on one plate printed with two colors, then hand-painted with watercolors.