Red Kite Paintings: Colin Woolf - Wildlife Paintings

 

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Red Kite Paintings

Red Kite flying in a blue sky

Although Red Kites are now an increasingly common sight in many areas throughout England, Wales and Scotland, they were once confined to the wooded valleys of Mid-Wales, and this is where all of Britain's native Red Kites originate from. Recent re-introductions of Red Kites have taken place in locations across the UK, but these birds were from other European countries. The few British Red Kites left in Wales were saved from extinction by a dedicated band of volunteers, and they are now monitored and protected by the Welsh Kite Trust.

Red Kites flying study

The Red Kite's elegant flight pattern is depicted with simple accuracy

 

I've long been an admirer of the Red Kite; they are majestic birds of prey, elegant in flight, and they possess the most beautiful russet-coloured plumage, enhanced by a greyish-white 'mane' of neck feathers and striking yellow eyes. They have a plaintive, high-pitched cry and their distinctive silhouette is characterised by their v-shaped tail, which they twist and turn as they circle above their woodland habitat.

Several years ago I was commissioned to create some paintings of Red Kites by the RSPB's 'Kite Country' Project; the resulting works now hang in Red Kite Visitor Centres throughout Mid Wales. Before I could even begin to think about painting these beautiful birds I spent many weeks in their homeland around Tregaron, Llandrindod and Rhayader - watching, sketching and developing a 'feel' for their character and the landscape in which they live.

Red Kites Watched from Above

 

'Watched from Above': One of my largest paintings,

It shows two Red Kites searching for a nest site in February, with a sprinkling of snow on the hills of Cwm Ystwyth. The title actually refers to the Peregrine which is circling high overhead. The size of the painting allowed me to do full justice to the beauty of the birds and the subtle colours of the landscape.

This image is available as a Greetings Card but is not available individually as a print, as it is one of a set of five Limited Edition prints released in 2005 as a Special Portfolio;

I'll be happy to send details on request.

Some of my Red Kite images are illustrated here: for their accuracy, beauty and atmosphere I consider them to be among my best works. Apart from the pencil sketches, most are available as Limited Edition prints.

Pencil Sketch: Two Red Kites tumble recklessly as they chase each other through the air; breathtaking to watch, their acrobatics sometimes appear totally crazy!

2 Kites displaying
 

Red Kite in snow

 

'Red Kite in Winter': Winter is the hardest time for all birds,

and Red Kites must rely on their instincts to survive.

They are natural scavengers, and this one is eyeing some carrion

which a Raven and a Buzzard are already squabbling over.