Steve Arcella's Hawk

I remember a high school art class with Steve Arcella, who was one grade ahead of me and a creative amazement.  He has his own design studio these days (of course he does). One day last summer, he and his wife, Flynne, came to visit.  I was standing out in my driveway holding a cup of tea and staring into the trees listening for my neighborhood Red Tail Hawk.

They drove up and Steve got out. I said, "I'm listening for my hawk."  Steve said, "Does he look like this?" and presented me with a gorgeous guasch painting of a hawk!  Synch.  I don't remember what kind this one is, but it's lovely. I have yet to properly frame it.

I had just discovered my neighborhood hawk earlier that week while doing chores.  I kept sorta hearing this screeching while I was doing dishes and other tasks.  Finally, I realized the screeching was -duh- a hawk and not just neighborhood noise.  I hopped outside and followed the cries around the corner. There, about 25 feet up a pine tree was a hawk. He cocked his head and looked down at me. I said "Hi."  He flew off above the trees dangling some sort of mini varmint.  I sighed.  "Welcome to the 'hood."

He was a juvenile back then (all grey, no red tail) but now he not only has a red tail, but a friend.  So nice.  My blue jay friends aren't particularly happy, I think.