Brown Pelican Artistry - The Patina Journal

Geoffrey C. Smith
Jun 8
2 min read

a group of Brown Pelicans in the water together

Dear Friends,

Summer in Florida, also known as the Rainy Season, is a time of vibrant life and renewal. It's breeding and spawning season for birds and fish, predator and prey alike. The Brown Pelican is a part of this cycle, and we will follow it as it dives gracefully into the waters of the St. Lucie Inlet, feasting on schools of spawning silversides. Watching these skilled hunters in action is mesmerizing.

The Pelican has always held a special place in my heart as an artist. Their unique form—from their expansive wingspan to their expressive eyes and iconic bill—offers endless inspiration and makes them one of my favorite subjects. Beyond their visual appeal, they embody resilience and adaptability—two admirable qualities. Observing them in their element often reminds me why they've become such a mainstay in my art.

Brown Pelicans are built for drama. They soar just above the waves with uncanny grace, then suddenly fold their wings and plunge headfirst like feathery torpedoes. That spectacular dive isn’t just a show—it’s a survival strategy. Their oversized bills help them scoop up fish, and built-in air sacs under their skin cushion the impact of their plunge. Evolution at its most elegant.

I’ve spent countless hours sketching and sculpting pelicans, trying to capture not just their anatomy, but their spirit. Whether it's a lone bird perched quietly on a piling or a squadron flying in tight formation at sunset, there's something timeless and almost prehistoric about them. I think that’s part of the draw—the pelican feels like a bridge between now and then, ancient and enduring.

I hope this blog finds you well and that it offers a moment to escape into nature through the video below.

Be well, safe, and loved.~ Geoffrey

Click on the picture above to learn more about "The Brown Pelican"

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Sculpture Spotlight

The Brown Pelican, with its dynamic flight and serene poise, perfectly reflects the essence of Florida’s vibrant ecosystem. In this blog, we'll focus on Skimming the Waves and Small World, chosen for their ability to beautifully capture these themes.