Red-Bellied Woodpecker on White Bird of Paradise
Painting on canvas board or stretched canvas • Kathy Corey (Key West artist)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Representational / Tropical Realism with an Impressionistic brushstroke
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic painting featuring alla prima technique with wet-on-wet brushwork and visible impasto in the highlights
Creation Period
21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 10 inches or 9 x 12 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A Red-bellied Woodpecker perched amidst a White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) plant. The composition uses diagonal lines from the plant's structure to create dynamic movement, focusing on the contrast between the bird's patterned plumage and the lush green foliage.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paint layer appears stable with vibrant pigment retention and no visible mechanical damage.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $350 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or a local gallery in Key West, Florida; fits the profile of regional contemporary tropical art.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the vibrant regional art scene of Key West, Florida. Kathy Corey is known for capturing local flora and fauna, contributing to the tradition of American tropical naturalism.
Notable Features
Distinctive energetic brushwork on the bird's feathers and the bold use of white highlights to define the 'Bird of Paradise' petals against the dark, mottled forest background.
Condition Issues
No major issues visible; minor canvas texture shows through the paint, which is a stylistic choice rather than a defect.
Conservation Recommendations
Protect from direct UV light to prevent pigment fading. Maintain a stable humidity environment to prevent canvas expansion/contraction. Use a moisture-stable frame.
Collector Notes
Key West Artist Kathy Corey red belly woodpecker in White.Bird of Paradise