Jennifer Pereira Art

Ravens Of Devils Rock

Wildlife

Jennifer Pereira
1–2 minutes
After The Rain 22" x 22" Oil on Canvas 2022 The clouds have parted after the summer rain. Beams of light break through the lush overhanging branches. The dappled light reflects off the pond's calm surface in a style reminiscent of the French Impressionists. In the center of the composition is a white water lily cradling a small leopard frog. Frogs, being amphibians act as indicator species as their permeable skin cannot protect them from pollutants. Perched atop a white lily, also used to represent purity, the frog reminds us why we must protect our water. This work was created for the 2021 Water Walk along the shores of Lake Temiskaming and is a part of the Northern Waters Series.
Awaiting Rebirth 30" x 32" Oil on Canvas 2022 It's late summer and monarchs fill the air. The caterpillars have stripped the milkweed bare and christalys shells hang from ledges filling every nook and cranny in sight. A lone chrysalis hangs, its outer shell gradually thinning to reveal the fully formed butterfly within. Awaiting rebirth. The conditions must be perfect as the butterfly emerges with soft crinkled wings. If born on a dry sunny day this monarch butterfly will be blessed with the gift of flight. With a wingspan of 10cm and a journey of up to 5,000 km, monarch butterflies overcome the odds to arrive at their ideal nursery. Years have passed when I see only a few, but in 2019 hundreds of monarchs ended their migration at Green Line Farms in Burk's Falls. The striking banded caterpillars, chrysalises accented in gold, and deep orange butterflies are a sight to see. The Pollinator Series would not be complete without paying homage to these magnificent pollinators.
The Beaver Pond 43" x 54" Oil on Canvas 2022 As dawn breaks over the beaver pond we find the resident beaver taking a brief pause after a long night of stashing its winter stores. It will be these submersed branches that will feed his family in the cold winter months to come. As part of the Northern Waters Series this work depicts one of Canada's most iconic animals responsible for literally 'shaping' the northern wilderness. After watching the shores of the pond transform over the past summer we now find this picturesque beaver pond. With its swollen waters and stump filled shores, sturdy dams and strategically positioned lodges, one can only marvel at the engineering skills of these large semi-aquatic rodents.
Basking In The Lily Patch 22" x 22" Oil on Canvas 2021 Hidden amongst the lily pads a small painted turtle surfaces to bask in the warm summer sun. Perfectly adapted to its environment the painted turtle can be difficult to spot, all too often it is the darting movement of its escape that alerts us to its fleeting presence. Though not typically known for their agility, turtles move effortlessly in their aquatic environment (as opposed to on land) and are proficient predators. The turtle is used as a symbol in many indigenous teachings about patience, stability, grounding, and earth connection and symbolizes a deeply-held respect for the environment. In many Cree and Anishinabe Creation stories, Turtle Island aka North America was created on the back of a giant turtle. This work was created for the 2021 Water Walk along the shores of Lake Temiskaming and is a part of the Northern Waters Series.
Bass of The Matabitchuan 54" x 21" Oil on Canvas 2021 Exploring the shallow rocky shores of the Matabitchuan River we quickly discover this is the perfect habitat for crayfish. As we turn over the rocks we are greeted by more and more of these delightful little creatures, a favorite of the smallmouth bass. Our curiosity pulls us deeper and we begin snorkeling into the shallow river. The world beneath the water reveals itself as we drift downstream. The sunlight streams down through the crystal clear water and to our delight illuminate numerous large fish! Their perfect little sanctuary (and immense size) has eliminated their feelings of fear as they swim right up to us without a care in the world. Bass of the Matabitchuan captures this little slice of heaven from the perspective of those who live below the surface. So often does the submerged world go overlooked, however, it is important to remind ourselves that just because we do not see it does not mean it is not there. These precious ecosystems keep our planet healthy and are to be cherished and protected.
Calm Water Catch 45" x 33" Oil on Canvas 2021 Stalking through the shallow calm water, the blue heron is the ultimate predator. This work depicts the moment when the heron lifts its prize from the lake before gulping it down whole. With the small splash and radiating ripples quickly dissipating, the water will soon return to its mirror-like state allowing the heron to continue its hunt. As part of the Northern Waters Series, this work celebrates the striking beauty of this large and powerful bird. Blending almost seamlessly into its surroundings, the heron spends most of its time in marsh environments. Eating almost any prey that can fit into its beak, the heron benefits greatly from the rich biodiversity supported in these ecosystems.
Minuscule Here is A commission I did for my sister in law. She asked me to compose a painting that showed what it was like to see the world through the eyes of a honey bee 🐝 Here is "Minuscule" Oil on canvas. Original is SOLD-Prints available.
Ravens Of Devil's Rock 31" x 54" Oil on Canvas 2021 Soaring on updrafts high above lake Temiskaming, Dawson's Point in the distance, these magnificent corvids reign over their land. Known as Devil's Rock, this cliff edge is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike providing an awe-inspiring view of the far reaching lake Temiskaming. The family of Ravens acts as gatekeepers overseeing the crude mine entrances hidden in the cast shadows. Inconspicuous holes in the sheer rock-face remind us of a time past when people flocked to this area not for the scenery but for the silver. The Corvid Series celebrates the family of birds known as Corvids. The subject of superstition and folklore, ravens play a role in many cultures and beliefs, often being associated with the dead and with lost souls. With their black plumage, croaking calls, and diet of carrion, the raven family atop Devil's Rock reminds me of the world below and the hardships of the men working these mines over a century ago.
Songs From The Marsh 54" x 24.5" Oil on Canvas 2021 The male red-winged black bird announces his presence from atop a cattail, the piercing melody cascading across the marsh. With the cool night air still lingering heavily in the morning light we can see his call as he serenades his many females. The females, subdued in both looks and sounds, lay camouflaged amongst the reeds while a rival male approaches from the distance. Songs from the Marsh is an oad to these brilliant songbirds who in the summer months are responsible for altering the soundscape of Canadian marshes from coast to coast.
Temagami Nomad 36" x 48" Oil on Canvas 2021 The winter fox looks intently at the passer by who has interrupted his hunt. With his lush winter coat to keep him warm he waits patiently listening to the world below the snow. During the winter he will gain access to over 1,000 islands scattered throughout the great lake Temagami. As he travels over the frozen landscape in search of food he becomes the Temagami Nomad. The Northern Winter Series looks into the striking winter landscapes of northern Ontario with glimpses into the lives of the creatures who have adapted to survive and thrive in the great white north.
Velvet Moose 40" x 48" Oil on Canvas 2021 Locking eyes with this majestic beast we are welcomed into the secretive world of one of Canada's largest animals. Despite their monumental size, moose are hard to spot in the woods, revealing themselves only when visiting marshes and swamps to graze on the nutrient rich aquatic vegetation. During the spring, when food is plentiful, the bull moose will regrow their racks. The antlers start off with a velvety covering of skin, as seen on the Velvet Moose, and will regrow larger with each passing year. As part of the Northern Waters Series this work celebrates one of Canada's most iconic creatures and its relationship to the water. The composition and large scale playfully referencing the tradition of the taxidermy moose heads found in many Canadian hunt camps and cottages.
Whiskeyjacks of Keijick Bay Oil on Canvas 2022 30" x 40" Whiskyjacks of Kejick Bay is an homage to the rambunctious little birds of the north as well as the indigenous peoples from this community. Here the trees get smaller and the moss and lichen grow thich and colorful. There is a calmness found in the wilderness of the reserve community of Lac Sule. This bay is situated between Kejick Bay and Whitefish Bay and Frenchman's Head. Long ago the community was flooded without any warning to its residents flooding teepees so only the tips were showing and separating the land by a large body of water. Now, this lake is a destination for fishermen from Canada and the USA. in this work these birds represent the resilience and ingenuity of the people from this area.
Sunny Field, West Road Garden 41" x 35" Oil on Canvas 2022 The hot summer sun floods the field with a radiant glow. An array of pollinators take turns visiting the wildflowers for a sip of nectar, spreading pollen as they go. Little blurs briefly come into focus as they land, boldly contrasting against the viper's bugloss. As part of the Pollinator Series, this work depicts a typical wild field in summer. You might come across a similar scene along any Ontario roadside and not think much of it. However, if you take a moment and allow yourself to become immersed in your surroundings you will begin to hear the buzz of the honey bees, smell the sweet aroma of the wildflowers and feel the sun's warmth on your skin. Sunny Field, West Road Garden transports the viewer to that magical place where pollinators rule.
The Dive 22" x 52" Oil on Canvas 2022 Inspired by the friendly loons of Bass Lake, this simple composition captures the moment the loon decends into clear depths searching for is next meal. I call this work "The Dive" Oil on canvas
"Yellow Legs" Oil on Canvas 2022 19" x 29" On the edge of the shore, the Greater Yellow Legs weaves between the reeds in the shallows of Gillies lake. Hunting for invertebrates, small fish, and frogs, this zippy little bird was a delight to watch from our nearby kayaks. This painting is dominated by yellow tones and is simply titled "Yellow Legs"
Taking Flight Oil on canvas 33" x 23.5" 2021 Inspired by a photo taken in spring '21 while our family was out kayaking the watershed between Cobalt and North Cobalt. We were so fortunate to witness a pair of Trumpeter Swans marching into the sky. I call his painting "Taking Flight". SOLD
Milkweed in Bloom 31.5" x 32" Oil on Canvas 2022 It it summer in rural Ontario and the world seems to glow green under the bright sun. The flowers are blooming and the pollinators are busy at work. We catch sight of this little bee as it sips nectar from the clustered blooms of the milkweed plant.
Cabbage Moths A closer look gives a world of beauty. Enjoy "Cabbage Moths"