Medium: Oil pastel on paper
Size (with frame): 43.8cm x 57cm x 2cm
 
Turacos are the only birds to possess true red and green color. When you look at most birds, the color you are seeing is a reflection produced by the feather structure. The turaco's red pigment (turacin) and green pigment (turacoverdin) both contain copper. In fact, if you stirred a glass of water with a red turaco feather, the water would turn pink! In museum species, the pigments deepen with age because the copper begins to oxidize.
Turacos are monogamous birds. During courtship, the male will feed the female. Together, they build their nest and the mother and father take turns sitting on the eggs. Once the eggs have hatched, other flock members help the new mother care for the chicks. Chicks can fly at 4 weeks of age. They may leave the nest at 6 weeks of age or decide to stay with the flock.
 
This artwork is framed with 70% UltraVue glass to prevent glare. It produces mellow green and purple tint if
any glare at all.