"The Waiting" Limited Edition Drawing by Burton E. Moore, Jr.
Don't miss an opportunity to own "The Waiting" by Burton E. Moore, Jr., who passed away in August 2016, and was well known for his interest in ducks and duck decoys. This rare drawing is signed by the artist and numbered 933/950. It is professionally matted and framed measuring 26.5" wide and 32" tall. The following description written by Burton reads:
This is "The Waiting"....that electrically quick little moment captured which endures the heart of the hunter to his companion retriever. It is a time when all of the features of a fine retriever combine with the prospects of a great day in the blind soon to come. This black Labrador retriever is anxious and expectant, trembling with anticipation as his piercing eyes survey the panorama of his outdoor world. This is his day, and he will take his master hunting.
The lab's name is Black Moses. Of the many Labradors I have seen, I felt that the embodied features of Black Moses unite to make the perfect subject - strong, massively built, well-mannered, and intelligent, with the countenance of a champion.
The red head decoys were carved by Keyes Chadwick of Martha's Vineyard about 1900. Keyes was an interesting, articulate man, whose entire life seems to have been one of unassuming modesty and kindness. His excellent reputation as a decoy maker was somewhat more than what Keyes felt he deserved. This was his demeanor of humility.
Chadwick's decoys were always solid in construction, and invariably carved of white cedar. His birds are characteristically smooth in finish, lacking evidence of rough markings left by the wood rasp. Of interesting note is the method in which Keyes attached the lead weights to the bottom of his decoys. At the precise balance point, on the flat base, a wide hole was drilled, then filled with molten lead until flush with the wood surface. Today his decoys are in high demand by serious collectors.
It is cold, this bygone December afternoon. A cold front with a promising wind sends delectable whisps of salt air playing across the flats of the marsh. The redheads and canvas backs will leave the open waters of the bay for the less turbulent waters of endless tidal creeks. Here is the memory of eager to please fire in the upraised eyes of a favorite retriever, the fine, loyal friend. These are the things that arrest the human spirit. This is The Waiting.
Burton Moore, Jr. did this painting in 1961.
This painting belongs in an office, den, or man cave. Especially those interested in duck hunting and duck decoys.