Showing the Wind Wendell Minor

The artwork presents a view focused on a rooftop structure topped with a weather vane. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the upward reach towards a sky filled with swirling clouds and patches of blue. A dark border frames the scene, isolating it from any broader context and intensifying the focus on the depicted elements.
Here we see a rooster, rendered in muted metallic tones, dominating the upper portion of the image. Its posture suggests a proud stance, though its head is tilted slightly downwards, perhaps indicating observation or vigilance. Positioned adjacent to the rooster is a smaller crow, also depicted with a dark sheen, facing away from the rooster and towards the left side of the frame. The placement of these two birds, one traditionally associated with dawn and masculinity, the other with omen and mystery, introduces an element of symbolic tension.
The weather vane itself, displaying cardinal directions, is centrally located beneath the avian figures. It serves as a functional marker while also contributing to the overall decorative quality of the scene. Below this sits a cylindrical structure, presumably part of the building’s architecture, painted in warm reddish-brown tones that contrast with the cool blues and whites of the sky. The roofline below is rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing individual shingles and adding texture to the lower portion of the composition.
The artists use of watercolor technique contributes significantly to the atmosphere. The washes create a sense of lightness and airiness in the depiction of the clouds, while also softening the edges of the architectural elements. This lends a dreamlike quality to the scene, suggesting a moment suspended between reality and imagination.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of observation, direction, and perhaps even duality. The rooster and crow could be interpreted as representing opposing forces or perspectives, their interaction hinting at an underlying narrative. The weather vanes function – to indicate prevailing winds – implies a larger, unseen force influencing the scene, while the rooftop setting suggests a vantage point from which to contemplate these influences. Ultimately, the work invites contemplation on the interplay between human structures and natural phenomena, as well as the symbolic weight of seemingly commonplace objects.