Pelicans: Flying Duo ~ "Oh, to Fly" ~ Watercolor

This pelican original painting captures two brown pelicans flying in close formation — wingtips nearly touching, bodies aligned, riding the same column of warm air rising off the water. Pelicans are social fliers. They draft off each other's wake turbulence, trading positions in a line with a cooperative efficiency that looks choreographed. This painting catches that partnership in the air.

I worked freehand on archival cotton rag paper using Kissho Gansai pigments from Kyoto. The warm brown plumage of both pelicans was built through wet-on-wet mineral pigment washes, with each bird developed in the same session to maintain tonal unity. Composing two birds in flight means finding the visual rhythm between them — close enough to read as a pair, different enough to feel like two individuals sharing a moment.

This painting sits alongside "Fly Pelican I" in my Oh, to Fly! collection. Where that piece features a single pelican, "Flying Duo" celebrates the social intelligence of birds that choose to travel together. Pelicans riding in formation save up to 65% of their energy by drafting off the lead bird's wingtip vortex — a physics lesson wrapped in feathers. That efficiency is part of what makes them so graceful to watch. One of a kind. Brings balanced, cooperative energy to living rooms, hallways, and shared spaces. Framing options available. Free shipping, complimentary insurance, and certificate of authenticity included.

Materials:  Each watercolor original is unique, the only one of its kind. Created on 300lb Arches Watercolor Paper with Japanese Sumi-é watercolor paint designed to last a lifetime.

Framing: Each piece is elegantly presented with light grey matting in a handmade wooden frame with a grey-washed finish. UV plexiglass and archival materials ensure long-lasting preservation. Crafted with care, our frames are 1.5" deep and handcrafted from solid wood by our trusted local framer.

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Cost: Shipping is FREE for all original works up to approx. 30x40". For large artwork, we cover the first $500 in shipping costs; please email us your zip code for a quote.

Packaging: All originals are shipped flat (not rolled). For work larger than 30x40", though our boxes are plastic-reinforced, you have a choice of wood crating to ensure safe transport for an additional fee.

Schedule: Unframed work ships within 1-2 weeks, while framed pieces require 2-3 weeks for delivery. Crated and oversized works may take 4-6 weeks. If your order is time-sensitive, please leave us a note during checkout and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

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Insurance: We provide complimentary shipping insurance for all orders. In the event that your item arrives damaged, please document it with pictures and notify us immediately so we can initiate a claim on your behalf.