Bob Hodgson
Madison, WI

This painting won a Honorable Mention at the 2025 Statewide Virtual Show of the Wisconsin Regional Arts Show. I started by applying very saturated bright red, orange, and blue liquid watercolors dripped out of their bottles, and left to spread and blend at will. Once this was done and dry, I started thinking about what I could make out of the mess, and I thought I could see some bird shapes peeking out, reminding me of our trips to Central and South America. I added details to bring them and the tree branches out. Starting from top left, and going clockwise: The first, with its bold reds an blues is a Panamexican Red Parrotbird, I believe, with a coffee berry in its beak. Next, with its back to us is a Ecuaruvian Multi-colored Mott Mott, identified by the paddles at the end of the tail feathers, and then a Brazilumbrian Night Hawk. I have no idea what the next two are, but they seem to enjoy the company. At the bottom center is the Patahuvian Cardinalbird, also enjoying the coffee. In the lower left corner is the tiny Belizimalan Black-winged Hummingbird. I'm not sure what the last bird is doing up in a tree, but I believe it must be some sort of quail. (Artist's disclaimer - none of these birds are real...)

This landscape watercolor exudes a subtle softness, bringing the viewer the suggestion of a distant memory. Warm yellow tones light the horizon line – at what appears to be sunrise facing the banks and still waters of the Mississippi River. Sky reflects into the water and the water reflects into the sky – transporting the viewer into the calmness, the quiet, the air, the peace. Upon first look the viewer sees trees, water, light and sky, however once drawn in – tiny details of a small cottage and dwellings are just discernable nestled under the trees. While viewing it –I’m transported and can’t decide if I want to skip a stone into the smooth-as-glass water or simply revel in the extraordinary still moment. This painting has a rare quality of not being overworked and feeling effortless. Once the artist reached just the right moment, he knew it was finished - a difficult and elusive place to find. The Mississippi at sunrise – such a memorable snapshot in many a Wisconsinite’s mind. In watercolor technique, subtle light and simplicity this piece excels.I don't know what all of these birds are doing together in the same tree, but they seem to be going after the red coffee berries and what I can only assume is some sort of Breadfruit in the center. Very Strange.

I am a retired Landscape Architect and longtime Madison, Wisconsin resident. I was originally born in Iowa. My family moved to Alaska in the early 1960’s, then to Maryland until my university days, when I moved to Tucson, Arizona (fine arts major) and then finally to Madison (Landscape Architecture major). These various environments and educational venues instilled a love of the land, nature, and art. My chosen field of Landscape Architecture further developed a love for plants and their unique beauty. This love of beauty and the joy of experiencing new places was reinforced and expanded through my many travels throughout the world for both work and pleasure. I have visited all seven continents by plane, boat, bicycle, and/or on foot and continue to travel to more new places at every opportunity.

Upon retirement in 2016, I began exploring ways to embrace my passion for beauty in a new and very personal way. Through attending
several classes and with much experimentation, I have developed a new love for watercolor painting. My work includes semi-realistic and imagined representations of plants, birds, animals and natural landscapes. Also included are small sketches from my travels.