Brown Pelican 9 Roger Bansemer

The composition presents a coastal scene dominated by avian life and weathered infrastructure. Here we observe several brown pelicans in various states of motion against a muted backdrop of water and sky. The color palette is restrained, employing earthy tones – browns, greens, and grays – that contribute to a sense of quietude and perhaps melancholy.
The foreground features a solitary pelican perched atop one of the decaying wooden pilings of what appears to be an abandoned pier or dock structure. These remnants jut out into the water, their weathered surfaces suggesting age and neglect. A second pelican is depicted in mid-flight on the left side of the frame, its wings partially extended, conveying a sense of dynamic movement that contrasts with the stillness of the bird on the piling. Several other pelicans are visible further out over the water, some soaring and others appearing as indistinct silhouettes against the horizon.
The artist’s rendering style emphasizes form rather than meticulous detail. The brushstrokes appear loose and expressive, contributing to a feeling of immediacy and capturing the essence of the scene rather than striving for photographic realism. Light seems diffused, lacking strong contrasts, which further reinforces the overall mood of tranquility and perhaps isolation.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of resilience and adaptation. The pelicans, creatures often associated with coastal environments, appear comfortable amidst the decay of human-made structures. This juxtaposition suggests a natural world reclaiming space previously occupied by human activity. The dilapidated pier could be interpreted as a metaphor for impermanence – a reminder that even constructed elements are subject to the forces of time and nature. The presence of multiple birds also hints at community, survival, and continuity within this environment.

The composition’s horizontal format reinforces the expansiveness of the coastal landscape, while the framing border creates a sense of containment, drawing attention to the scene within.