oil on wood 12 x 12” -  edged framed in black satin finish metal

The wild turkey population is burgeoning in my neighborhood. They're imposing in appearance and comfortable in their space

I took photos when one stepped into my path with a cohort and opted to stay completely still, blocking me.

The protuberance, much like a unicorn's horn was interesting and the colors especially pronounced. I was curious so looked up information, learning that the "horn" is called a snood, usually a fleshy flap hanging over a turkey's beak. In males, it's generally much longer. When the animal is frightened, angry, agitated or amorous, the snood becomes erect.

"When the turkey gets flustered, the blood vessels contract, exposing more of the collagen bands. This changes the way that incoming light scatters and reflects off of the turkey's skin, causing it to appear blue or white. Thus, my painting is of a visibly annoyed turkey.