About the work

Original colored pencil drawing of a cactus wren. Housed in an inlaid wood frame under museum glass (non-reflective/UV protection). Frame has minor rub marks consistent with use.

The cactus wren is native to the American Southwest desert and parts of northern and central Mexico. It is the largest wren in the United States and is the state bird of Arizona.

About the artist…

Lee Jayred was raised by his grandparents in Imlay, Nevada, where his interest in wildlife took root. Later he moved to Reno with his mother and stepfather, the latter of whom encouraged his interest in wildlife. In his early teens he took up falconry and began sketching the animals he encountered while exploring the Nevada desert. 

Although he was successful in the business world, Jayred’s undying interest in wildlife eventually drove him to give up life as a corporate general manager in order to pursue a full-time career in art. Before long, his lithographs were regularly selling out for 75 to 250 dollars each, while his originals fetched in the thousands. During an 11-year period he created 87 editions of lithographs. 

Experience as a falconer gave Jayred a particularly close association with birds of prey, but he also specializes in backyard species and shorebirds. He travels regularly to find subjects in the wild for his drawings, including visits to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert where he photographs and sketches eagles and falcons.

Jayred’s drawings have been featured on the cover of the California Hawking Club Journal and SouthwestArt, and his articles have been published in SouthwestArt and Wildlife Art News. His journey to becoming an artist was the subject of a Los Angeles Times article published in 1986. 

Packaging and Shipping 

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Sales tax

Items shipped or delivered to a Nevada address will include applicable sales tax on the purchase invoice.