"African Grey:
Gonzo"
8x10" acrylic on canvas
(C) Cara Bevan 2009
african grey parrot gonzo pet portrait acrylic painting bird
The African Grey parrot is among the most intelligent birds in the human world. They are able to learn
a vast vocabulary and not just memorize it, but also understand it. This painting called “African Grey:
Gonzo” is a portrait of a lively parrot named Gonzo, owned by friend and fellow artist Lora Duguay.
Gonzo, like most African greys, has a personality and vocabulary all his own!
Along with standard words, like “hey!”, “gimme”, and “what’re you doin?,” Gonzo has also learned
intricate sounds and names. He has learned the names of his previous owner’s dogs and current
owner’s dogs. He can blow kisses, say goodnight, bark like a dog, sneeze, cough, and blow his nose.
Gonzo also has a talent for music. If someone says “Rock ‘n’ Roll, Gonzo, Rock ‘n’ Roll” he’ll bob up
and down, kick up a leg, and dance. He will dance to any tune he likes, or even his own songs. He
loves to sing his own version of “Bad boys” and interprets it as “Bad bird, bad bird, whatcha gonna
do…” Along the same line he’ll say his own name and call “help, help, call the cops!” Like most birds,
though, he loves attention. If he is not getting it he’ll scream at the top of his lungs to get noticed and
that may mean interrupted phone calls or guest visits! On his kinder side he stays as close to Lora as
he can and loves to be petted, ride on a shoulder, and even shower! And just when you think he’s
calm he’ll say certain profanities…courtesy of what he’s already learned.
Even if you don’t have a parrot as talkative as Gonzo, or a parrot at all, enjoy the laughter and beauty
you know he’ll be bringing Lora Duguay and her family for many, many, many years to come!

      Lora Duguay is a fellow artist and friend of mine!
Check her out!
Bird Gallery
All artwork and information (C) to Cara Bevan and Art from the Heart.   
Refer to
contact for questions.
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