Heron

This was the first bird we saw after moving to the river. These birds are quiet. They are patient and still. They can stay in one spot without moving for long stretches of time. Their stillness hides them. Our human eyes are drawn to movement. Stillness acts as a type of camouflage for these birds. They are tall and somewhat majestic and very proud. They hang out in swampy areas and yet it does not seem to diminish their commanding presence and beauty.

There is a lot I love about this painting, but there are two things I would change. The bird takes up far too much of my canvas and if I would do it over I would make it less. My style is large but it feels loud and overwhelming. Another change would be the background. The reason I chose burnt orange is becasue I took this photo in the fall the foliage was browns and oranges. I decided to blur the background rather than paint it in detail so the focus was the bird. but again the painting shouts at me , not exactly what I want.

what I love about this painting is the contrast in darks and lights, I like the birch trees he is resting on and the sharp edges of his feathers!