The Watcher
The Watcher
As a young teenager in the late nineteen fifties, I was an avid hunter. In all of my hunting
experiences during those years I don't recall ever seeing a wild turkey. There were wild turkeys in
some areas of West Virginia then, but few, if any in Monongalia County.
The turkey was nearly exterminated in this nation by the early 1900's, and by the time of the Great
Depression, only 30,000 wild turkeys remained in the entire country. Today, thanks to our nation's
hunters, wildlife agencies, and wildlife conservation groups, it is not uncommon to see wild turkeys in all
of the counties in our state. In fact, there are approximately 6.4 million wild turkeys roaming the
continent with game populations in every state in the U.S. except Alaska.
Turkeys are plentiful today, but I have long since put away the shotgun, and replaced it with my
camera, and my paint brush. These birds that often appear awkward and clumsy, can be quite
graceful. They show up unexpectedly, and in places where you wouldn't dream of seeing them. But
purpose in your mind that you are going to seek them out, and you discover how elusive and evasive
they can be. Some people think they are ugly, and unintelligent, but I see wisdom and vigilance in their
watchful eyes, and a unique beauty that is worthy of capturing on canvas.
About the Reproduction: This photo-offset lithograph reproduction of "The Watcher" is a reproduction
of the original 16 x 20 inch Acrylic original painting by West Virginia artist Robert B. Musick. The print is
20 x 24 inches overall with an image size of 16 x 20 inches. The reproduction is done in full color on
80-pound smooth white cover stock. It is an acid free, premium archival quality paper. Given the proper
framing, and protection from extreme lighting conditions, they will bring years of viewing enjoyment.
As a young teenager in the late nineteen fifties, I was an avid hunter. In all of my hunting
experiences during those years I don't recall ever seeing a wild turkey. There were wild turkeys in
some areas of West Virginia then, but few, if any in Monongalia County.
The turkey was nearly exterminated in this nation by the early 1900's, and by the time of the Great
Depression, only 30,000 wild turkeys remained in the entire country. Today, thanks to our nation's
hunters, wildlife agencies, and wildlife conservation groups, it is not uncommon to see wild turkeys in all
of the counties in our state. In fact, there are approximately 6.4 million wild turkeys roaming the
continent with game populations in every state in the U.S. except Alaska.
Turkeys are plentiful today, but I have long since put away the shotgun, and replaced it with my
camera, and my paint brush. These birds that often appear awkward and clumsy, can be quite
graceful. They show up unexpectedly, and in places where you wouldn't dream of seeing them. But
purpose in your mind that you are going to seek them out, and you discover how elusive and evasive
they can be. Some people think they are ugly, and unintelligent, but I see wisdom and vigilance in their
watchful eyes, and a unique beauty that is worthy of capturing on canvas.
About the Reproduction: This photo-offset lithograph reproduction of "The Watcher" is a reproduction
of the original 16 x 20 inch Acrylic original painting by West Virginia artist Robert B. Musick. The print is
20 x 24 inches overall with an image size of 16 x 20 inches. The reproduction is done in full color on
80-pound smooth white cover stock. It is an acid free, premium archival quality paper. Given the proper
framing, and protection from extreme lighting conditions, they will bring years of viewing enjoyment.