There’s a quiet magic in the way a red-tailed hawk holds space. Perched on a fence post along a forgotten back road or soaring effortlessly above open fields, they seem to appear when I need them most, a reminder to stay grounded, to pay attention, and to keep going.

That feeling became the focus of Omen.

This 12" x 18" charcoal drawing was created on grey-toned paper over the course of 16 hours. 

Red-tailed hawks have always felt like a personal symbol of resilience. To me, they are a good omen, not in a mystical sense, but as a grounded reminder that even when life feels heavy, clarity and strength are close by.

I often see them when I'm driving, silent sentinels above the chaos of day-to-day life. 

Why the Red-Tailed Hawk?

Scientifically known as Buteo jamaicensis, the red-tailed hawk is one of the most common raptors in North America. They're instantly recognizable by their brick-red tail feathers, broad wings, and piercing scream.

These birds of prey are incredibly adaptable. They thrive in woodlands, deserts, and even urban environments, making them a familiar sight to many. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, and they hunt from high perches with remarkable patience and precision. Despite their commonness, they never feel ordinary to me. There’s a nobility in how they exist — solitary, skilled, and self-possessed.

In Omen, I wanted to honor that spirit. The focus is on the eyes — alert, intense, and unwavering. Every feather was a meditation on strength, every shadow an echo of stillness.

More Than a Bird

This piece isn’t just a portrait. It’s a message, a quiet reminder to myself and anyone who views it: When things feel unclear or heavy, stay still. Watch. Wait. The winds will shift.

Omen is now part of a larger exploration I’m doing on native species and personal symbols, blending emotional storytelling with natural detail. I hope it brings a moment of pause, just like the hawks do for me.