Cockatiel on a Branch
Painting on stretched canvas • Barry Shelor
Style & Movement
Contemporary Expressionism / Wildlife Art
Medium & Technique
Acrylic on canvas; utilizing sgraffito-like linear strokes, expressive brushwork, and wet-on-wet blending in the background.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A stylized depiction of a cockatiel bird with a prominent crest, perched on a network of bare branches. The composition features high-contrast vertical streaks in the background suggestive of a forest at sunset or fire. The bird is rendered with energetic, elongated lines representing feathers.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the canvas appears taut and the pigment layer is vibrant with no visible mechanical damage.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or through a regional gallery; current ownership by the requestor.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the late 20th-century trend toward expressive, non-naturalistic wildlife portraiture. It showcases a departure from scientific illustration toward emotional and textured interpretation of nature.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of white and yellow 'hair-like' lines to create volume in the bird's plumage, contrasting sharply with the warm, fiery tones of the background.
Condition Issues
None visible; minor surface dust may be present due to lack of a frame in the provided image.
Conservation Recommendations
Should be framed under UV-protective glazing if placed in direct sunlight. Maintain a stable environment with 45-55% relative humidity to prevent canvas expansion/contraction.
Collector Notes
Barry Shelor