I paint in oils, have since I was twelve, nearly fifty years ago. My output has ebbed and flowed over the decades, as have my interests changed to and from landscapes and abstractions, portraiture and flowers. Animals have grabbed my attention since the beginning of the pandemic, birds in particular, because their beauty in both color and shape exist in innocence; they know not how lovely they are. After completing a series on extinct birds, I began to study those exotic species of The Birdhouse at The Lincoln Park Zoo, of which this Motmot is one of my favorites. Stars of the Birdhouse at The Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Series are six lovely little oil and tempera sketches on prepared Arches paper, 5x7 in, matted and framed (4-3 x 6.3 mat window) with 12.5 x 15.5 black tapered box frame. Ready to hang with wire and d-hooks.