Flying Lessons 2000-2003 Posted-onMarch 12, 2015March 11, 2016By lineBylinemel Flying Lessons series. keep me informed of new work and exhibits…and more images by request……please click Based on images of the Whopping Crane’s reintroduction to the western flyway. It became a personal metaphor for learning. About 30 paintings between 2000-2003. Flying Lessons #5, 60″ x 54″, Oil on canvas, Mel Smothers 2002.