Great Blue
20×30″
On Wednesdays I teach a course on Birds in Watercolor.
My very first watercolors when I was 14 were of birds.
When I went to university, I got my degree in Zoology.
One of my favorite courses was on birds where I had to reconstruct a red tail hawk’s skeleton using a real red tail hawk.
(The hawk was already deceased when I received him. Sadly, he had been hit by a truck.)
Immediately after university I worked as a zookeeper at Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City.
I started to paint birds again when I was working there.
My first solo show was mostly of birds and I sold every single piece.
Then I stopped painting birds for awhile.
Guess I got them out of my system and I wanted to try something new.
Now I am returning to birds.
Since there are so many beautiful herons that live around us, (in fact one likes to roost in our backyard) I thought I would start with this magnificent bird.
What an incredible picture – I love the way the water and the 'background' merge together.
The reflection, the blues and the blue heron totally in harmony.
Wonderful picture, absolutely stunning, Leslie.
wonderful!!!!
Thank you John! The background was so much fun to do. It is just poured on. Jose, thank you:)
The watery background is very affective. Nice work. I love to draw and paint birds myself so I know what you mean.
Thank you Wendy.
Mr.Heron turned out so wonderfully well, Leslie. It's a beauty!
Very nice Leslie. Herons are so elegant, we get a few on the Kootenay Lake. Look forward to you next bird painting!
Thanks Laura! I am in the middle of doing a pair of eagles.
Leslie,
This is wonderful! You have a gift for bird too!
It's funny that I'm constantly at Liberty Park running or cycling. Now I'll think of you when I go by Tracy Aviary.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful art!
-Jeanne
Thanks Jeanne! Loving your bicycles! Please say hi to the birds for me the next time you are at the park.