"Sentinel II" - Penaris Neighborhood, Costa Rica

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Another raucous Great-tailed Grackle. Their “sound” can stop you in your tracks. On a walk through the jungle this summer one captured our attention with a clear bell-like note. On my morning walks another captivates me continuously by carrying on a throaty dialog punctuated by screeches and bell tones. I keep thinking if I just listen more closely, I'll understand its Spanish.

#49   5" x 7"  acrylic/mixed media on archival Masonite board     $50

"Sentinel I" - Penaris Neighborhood, Costa Rica

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There aren't any crows in Costa Rica. Instead, there are birds that occupy similar niches (Brown Jays and Great-tailed Grackles). The Great-tailed Grackle has a variety of very loud noises, squeakes, calls that they make. This large, noisy bird has become amazingly adapted to living with people. A scavenger and opportunist in urban environments they seem to be right at home as they forage on city streets. - Information from "Costa Rica Living and Birding" by Pat O'Donnell

#48   5" x 7" acrylic/mixed media on archival Masonite board     $50

"Green Pear" - Curridabat, Costa Rica

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The universal appeal of a pear is no less appealing in Costa Rica than elsewhere. I have seen native pears to Central America. They are small and green and "appear" to be hard. They have been bypassed for the larger imported variety that I know promises a hand-held physical delight and a sweet-tasting oral delight.

#47  5" x 7" acrylic on archival Masonite board     $50

"Street Find" - Penaris Neighborhood, Costa Rica

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On my morning walk I spied a not-to-be-ignored piece of flattened metal. The colors and square shape were too much to pass up. I brought it home working it into a collage echoing the naturally developed patina in the metal and scruffy paint. In retrospect I see I've included a number of things that express my personal self: the passage of time, the capturing of ideas via the string, the mechanics of machinery and the fantasy of films thus the Detroit Film Theater parking voucher. The street guards are getting used to seeing the “Gringo” poking things with her shoe and picking up finds from the street.

#46    6" x 6"  mixed media on archival Masonite board.     $60

"Cloud Forest in Moonlight" - Monte Verde, Costa Rica

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Some of Bill's family reside in the “cloud forest” area called Monte Verde. This view is from Linda and Larry's terrace looking toward the Pacific. They are located on the continental divide and on a clear day can see both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans from their property. Larry has an organic garden. In addition to his wonderful veggies he has planted scores of indigenous trees and flowers.

#45  5" x 7"  acrylic on archival Masonite board.     $60