Traditional Paintings — Zoltan Pogonyi

Crimson sunbird 1

Acrylics on illustration board
12 x 9 inches;
2022

The Crimson sunbird is Singapore’s unofficial national bird. The striking red color is deeply rooted in the local culture and is also part of the national flag. Sunbirds are primarily feeding on nectar.

Crimson sunbird 2

Acrylics on illustration board
12 x 9 inches;
2022

Shoebill stork

Oil on canvas
16 x 20 inches;
2022

Shoebill storks have a genuinely prehistoric look. As if they would carry some superficial knowledge hidden from us humans. I tried to portray this inexplicable power in this bird's eye. Perhaps shoebill storks have the closest look to feathery dinosaurs. Although the name suggests that they are a type of stork, they belong to the same family as herons and pelicans genetically. They live primarily in wet swamps in Africa, especially in Uganda.

Collared kingfisher

Oil on board
9 x 12 inches; 23 x 30 cm
2021

Kingfishers are some of my favourite birds. They look definitely unusual in proportions and also in colours. Truly fascinating birds!
The morning rays are lighting the bird from behind, casting cooler shadows on her front and giving golden contours to this magnificent bird.

Grey heron

Oil on illustration board
11 x 14 inches; 28 x 35 cm
2020

I find herons very elegant, fascinating birds. There is some kind of grace in it whatever they are doing: when they are perching; when they are hunting with great focus and discipline, and even when they are flapping with their wings slowly and flying away with dignity. I wanted to portray this elegance in this oil painting. I went for a gessoed illustration board to get a smooth surface to be able to paint in some details despite the relatively small dimensions.

White-throated kingfisher

Oil on panel
9 x 12 inches; 23 x 30 cm
2022

I painted this bird already before with gouache. I decided to give it a go with oil this time. I wanted to keep the brush strokes more fresh with more texture so I have used impasto medium.

Philippine eagle

Acrylics on canvas board
16 x 20 inches; 41cm x 51cm
2020

This raptor is the largest eagle in the world. The fantastic crest on her head gives a really unique look. What I find truly captivating is her cutting glance: This is the only eagle having blue-grey eyes.

Northern bald ibis

Acrylic paint on canvas
16 x 16 inches; 40 x 40 cm
2020

This bird has an amazing character and personality. I could not resist to try another take on it. This time with acrylics - and for the first time on canvas. I started it with a burnt umber underpaint to give a warm overall feel to it and tried to balance it with some muted greens, keeping the palette relative limited.

Bluehead

Blue-headed macaw
Oil on illustration board.
11x14 inches; 28x35 cm
2020

This small-sized macaw is living in Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. I’m really fascinated by its colours: the dominant blue head and the mostly green, olive feathers. I always feel macaws are having a unique face; which gives them a somewhat cheeky, but smart look. I chose to add that warm, yellow-orange background to give the painting an overall lively, vibrant feel - which, I think, is a matching characteristic of these intelligent birds.

Common kingfisher

Oil on canvas board
16 x 20 inches; 41 x 51 cm
2020

It was drizzling one morning when I saw this kingfisher perching on a reed over a fishpond. It was barely noticeable but this small bird was just preening there, looking like a tiny jewel of nature. You will never forget once you spot this colourful bird.