This is a semi-quick 4 hour painting of a photo caught by LivingWild on DA.

Original Image: http://livingwild.deviantart.com/art/Bateleur-Eagle-Posing-Power-and-Anger-487116478

I just could not stop ogling this beautiful bird caught in such a stunning pose, and had to paint a likeness. I never found Bateleur Eagles to be all that interesting, but all I needed was a unique new perspective to reveal some of their hidden intricacies. For instance, I never knew before that these eagles have some of the shortest tails of all accipiters, and has the name 'Bateleur' from the French, meaning 'street performer' due to its unstable, rocking motion as it glides. Being snake-eaters, I imagine that these raptors are quite agile, and wouldn't be surprised to see them 'dancing' about as they go about catching a meal.

I had to ask the photographer about its tail, thinking it to be a juvenile or a molting individual (which I found strange if molting were the case, as all tail feathers don't fall out at once to retain some amount of aerobatic maneuverability). Nope - it's just how the bird is. Which is awesome.

Seriously, go take a look at LivingWild's photography - they have great timing, and capture animals in unconventional, more candid postures. : ) Beautiful work all around. http://www.livingwild.deviantart.com

Photoshop CS4, ~4 hours
Ref provided by LivingWild
Art by and copyright © 2014 S. Dziezyk