The Squadron is a painting by AnnaJo Vahle which was uploaded on July 23rd, 2014.
The Squadron
It is peaceful to sit on the beach watching the waves gently roll in. This is Cocoa Beach. Four brown pelicans flew in a row just barely above the... more
by AnnaJo Vahle
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Dimensions
28.000 x 22.000 x 1.000 inches
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Title
The Squadron
Artist
AnnaJo Vahle
Medium
Painting - Acrylic On Canvas
Description
It is peaceful to sit on the beach watching the waves gently roll in. This is Cocoa Beach. Four brown pelicans flew in a row just barely above the surface of the water. They do this by using a phenomenon known as ground effect. This reduces drag and increases lift. As the air flows between the wings and the water surface, it is compressed to a higher density and exerts a stronger upward force against the bird above. Hence substantial energy is saved while flying. Sometimes their wing tips actually touched the water. They stayed close together and flew as a unit.
I always thought myself clever to call them a squadron instead of a flock. Curious to see what they are actually called I found that they are, indeed, known as a squadron! I guess that I'm not so clever, after all!
The day drew to an end as the sun set. Afternoon clouds began to build and billow. It is a rare day not to have clouds in the afternoon or evening around here. It is always so soothing to listen to the waves and watch the local wildlife.
Pelicans are said to be the largest flying birds, because they have air in their bones that makes them lighter and more graceful than they appear. A group of pelicans not in flight is a pod. Oddly, all the other animals whose collective noun is pod are mammals, but the pelican is a bird.
The rhythm of the waves soothed my soul. Tension fell away like an uncomfortably heavy cloak dropping to the ground.
One of the prehistoric looking birds suddenly dropped headfirst into the wave. The others circled round and did the same thing. Each resurfaced with a good sized fish in it's gullet. They each dropped their head back and swallowed their catch. Wordlessly, they resumed their formation and flew in a column, once again barely above the water.
I wondered how far they flew along the beach before returning? I saw them do this all afternoon. I wondered if they were friends or family? I wondered if they were happy? I wondered if they had emotions? What do they think and feel?
This is an acrylic painting on gallery wrapped 22 inch by 28 inch canvas.
Uploaded
July 23rd, 2014
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Viewed 3,147 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/26/2024 at 4:45 AM
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Comments (75)
Gary F Richards
Spectacular The Squadron composition, lighting, shading, excellent colors and artwork! F/L voted
Gary F Richards
Congratulations on your Top Finish in the contest… CHANNELING THE ARTISTIC STYLE OF THE OLD MASTERS O...! F/L
Sarah Irland
Such a beautiful painting, AnnaJo! Such stunning color - it seems that I can feel that warm sun!
Alla Savinkov
Gorgeous, AnnaJo! Love the Cocoa Beach painting! I just got back from vacation on Cocoa Beach! Beautiful place and gorgeous painting! Love it! L/F
Gary F Richards
Outstanding composition, lighting, shading, color and artwork! F/L … Voted for this piece in the contest SUNSETS
Gary F Richards
Spectacular composition, lighting, shading, colors and artwork! F/L …voted for this piece in the contest SUNSET ON THE BEACH
Gary F Richards
Spectacular composition, lighting, shading, colors and artwork! F/L …voted for this piece in the contest ALL SUNSHINE BRIGHT OR GOING INTO NIGHT!
Gary F Richards
Beautiful oceanic composition and excellent artwork! F/L … voted for this piece in the ANYTHING OCEAN contest
Christopher James
Congratulation.....your wonderful work has been featured in the 1000 Views on 1 Image Group l/f/p