Eagle from Tugboat Wheelhouse c. 1939

This is John Kelleher's watercolor of an eagle from a tugboat wheelhouse. It’s got this golden brown palette, like old wood warmed by the sun. I can almost feel Kelleher’s hand moving, carefully laying down each stroke to mimic the carved feathers and the stoic gaze of the eagle. You can see the way the paint pools in certain areas, giving depth and dimension to the bird’s form. I wonder what it was like for Kelleher, capturing this emblem of strength and freedom, maybe thinking about the sailors relying on this symbol as they navigated the waters. I think there's something very touching about this simple painting of an object that was itself meant to inspire awe and confidence. It feels humble, while also soaring.