Joseph Crawhall: Pigeons on the Roof Print

William Burrell collected more works by Glasgow Boy Joseph Crawhall than any other artist. These 23 paintings, mainly watercolour and gouache, on display at The Burrell allow us a more intimate glimpse of the man whom Whistler called "the truest artist of the Glasgow men".

Two pigeons sit on the gable end of a roof. Crawhall captures their distinctive characteristics, one sitting silhouetted against the blue sky, hunched up to keep warm as it rests, the other, seen in profile, holding onto the steep stonework with perfectly rendered pink clawed feet. Both watch us with intelligent amber eyes. Their feathers are a subtle mix of grey, pink and blue, with splashes of gold that suggest low early morning/evening light. Crawhall typically says so much with the most economical means. As well as being closely observed, the scene is also intrinsically decorative, perfectly balanced in colour and form.

• Image Size: 27cm.x32.3cm
• Paper Size: 30cmx40cm
• Handmade in Scotland by Camsail Fine Art