Doves —
by Susan Willemse

Description:

Doves show three doves preening and content, they do this to waterproof their feathers and it is a daily occupation using the oil from a gland at the top of their tail feathers, "like water off ducks back" can be applied to all well-conditioned birds and doves are no exception. In this art, I have tried to capture the amazing pastel colors of these feathers creating a peaceful, uncomplicated image, indeed doves are represented symbolically as peace doves and to see them carry their twigs with leaves still attached to nesting sites is an image that creates peace in one's mind. Australia has both native and introduced species of this bird but all have gentle natures.