John W. Taylor, Jr. (American, 1931-2017), Mallards in Flight

Watercolor on paper, signed at lower right, matted and framed under glass.

Frame dimensions 22 x 27 1/4 in.

John W. Taylor developed his lifelong interest in birds and art as a child and later honed his skills while working for the Division of Birds at the Smithsonian’s National Museum. After military service and studies at the Corcoran School of Art, he became artist-editor of The Maryland Conservationist, drawing inspiration from the Chesapeake Bay’s marshes and wildlife. His precise and naturalistic style led to commissions from the National Geographic Society and the National Wildlife Federation, as well as designs for Maryland’s first deer, trout, and waterfowl stamps. Taylor won the Maryland Duck Stamp contest in 1979 and Florida’s in 1984. His books Birds of the Chesapeake Bay (1994) and Chesapeake Spring (Johns Hopkins Press) feature his field studies and paintings.

Toning to sheet; not examined out of the frame.