Keystone Species

A lone Pileated Woodpecker perches amidst rain-soaked branches, its form emerging from a veil of mist and wood grain. Rendered with quiet intensity, the bird appears both sentinel and survivor—alert to what is vanishing, yet still holding its place. The composition honors this keystone species as a symbol of persistence and presence within a rapidly changing forest.

Painting for TREES book, Simon & Schuster, published 2021.