Black as the Night (crow)

Very nice negative pastel painting. I have always liked white on black.

Thank you Paul, it's always interesting trying new surfaces.

I like this, except the pedant in me insists that the crow has a rather more pronounced, curving bill than this, which from the neck upwards looks a little pigeon-like.

I was very drawn to this image. I have done some studies of crows myself. I think it is there absolute dark shape and the lovely shape of the wings which appeals. When I was a little girl my Mum used to recite a lovely poem one line of which sprang to mind when I saw your work. For interest; " Oh Crow upon the tall tree top I see you sitting at your ease, How many miles have you been today upon your wings so strong and black.." thats all I can remember for the moment I might google it and see if I can find the rest now you have awakened that memory. thank you for posting. I love this one

Hi Robert & Angela, Yes Robert, you're dead right that the bill is understated, which is a consquence of closing in too far on my original outline with a thick pastel! As it's only a sketch/study, I didn't worry too much. I'd like to produce a linocut next based on this sketch, so when I do, I'll give it the crafting it'll deserve. And thank you Angela, I often toy with the idea of image and poetry so keep me posted on that verse. As mentioned, it might be the perfect partner for a linocut image, even if I only use one line! ;)

It would make a great linocut, I look forward to seeing it. As for poems, there are many about crows, including Ted Hughes' "Crow", and a number of Scottish poems, in one of which (wish I could remember it!) it was described as the "corbie". I'm fond of corvids, hence my nit-picking: like to see them fearlessly take on the buzzards round here, mobbing them until they clear off; and the rooks, which allowed a foolish cat to climb nearly to the top of their tree, before having a real, concerted go at her: at which point the cat panicked and just clung to the tree trunk. Cue Fire Brigade..... Great birds: idiot farmers used to shoot them, until they realized how much good they did.

I googled my Crow words and Lo and behold there it was, and I remember the remainder of the verse. My Mum should really be reciting as she is from Co Kerry in Ireland and has the most wonderful musical voice for poetry reading. But here is the remainder of the poem for interest, Peter. The Crow. Old crow, upon the tall tree top I see you sitting at your ease, You hang upon the highest bough. And balance in the breeze. How many miles you've been to-day, Upon your wing so strong and black, And steered across the dark grey sky, Without or guide or track ; Above the city wrapped in smoke, Green fields, and rivers flowing clear ; Now tell me as you passed them o'er. What did you see and hear ? The old crow shakes his sooty wing And answers hoarsely, **Caw, Caw, Caw," And that is all the crow can tell. Of what he heard and saw. How is it, crow, that you can fly, And careless see so many things. While I have sense to think and speak, But not your pair of wings ? Because all things in earth and air. That live about this world of ours. Have their appointed places set, Their proper parts and powers. I hope you like it. It has certainly reminded me of a lovely part of my childhood. thanks

Hello again Angela, Thanks so much for your story and info. It remeinds me of the question we ask of magpies - something like "Morning Mr Magpie, and how's your wife today?" in order to allay any fears that he might be a solo magpie, which is bad luck, of course! I will look after your words Angela ain case I return to a linoprint and decide to include some verse, thanks.

Glad that you found the poem interesting. I saw my Mum today and we had a lovely reminice about all the little poems she used to recite to us. I wont bore you with them but she had such a good memory she had them straight off and quite a few that I had forgotten we knew. So thanks for the Crow without him we wouldnt have remembered any of them and I really enjoyed hearing her say them again. In fact I think I might try and record a few for posterity for the family as my Mum is 82 and they would be lovely to keep.

Sounds like a good idea Angela, it's been a nice example of serendipity ;)