Return of the Falcon - Peregrine Falcon in Yosemite by Stephen Lyman

Return of the Falcon by Stephen Lyman, 

 

"In this painting, I have attempted to convey the immense space of Yosemite Valley with Half Dome bathed in the fleeting, golden light of sunset,” Steve Lyman said. "A peregrine falcon, the perfect flying machine, is a master of the air in grace, agility and speed. Its spectacular aerial displays and power dives at prey can at times exceed 200 miles per hour. This one waits, perched on precipitous cliffs, for prey to fly within range of his extraordinarily keen eyesight, ready to launch into the air at any moment." If there was ever a contemporary artist that could capture on canvas the aura of Yosemite National Park, it was Steve Lyman. He was John Muir, the great naturalist, reincarnate. Like Muir, he was most alive and garnered his deepest inspiration while tramping through and about this great natural wonder.

"Return of the Falcon" was created in 1988 to recognize the efforts of all who participated in the peregrine recovery programs in the Yosemite area.