Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Blue Heron, Edisto Island


Blue Heron, Edisto Island
12x16" watercolor on 140 lb. Kilamanjaro block.


This image is based on a photo I took in October down in Edisto. My daughter and I went exploring down the side street our rental was on, knowing that there was a lake before we got to the expansive marshes behind Edisto Beach area. As we walked up to the lake we must have spooked a Great Blue Heron that was hiding in the reeds - so we got to see this majestic bird fly off right in front of us. As many times as I have seen this it always takes my breath. This was a first for my daughter so I was especially exuberant. On the opposite side of the road there was a heavily overgrown feeder canal and in there we immediately saw a second heron - I was able to snap off a shot with the camera.

8 comments:

irinapictures said...

I like the bird very much. And greenery behind is simply excellent, loosy and transparent.

Ellen Burkett said...

I know that unbelievable feeling of joy/wonder/delight at seeing one of those birds fly. What an amazing thing for you and your daughter.
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This is just right...watery looking. You can almost feel the moisture in the air. Perfect reflections too. Great job, Gry.

Autumn Leaves said...

Hope you feel better soon, Gary. I am currently besieged by a rotten sinus infection so I know of what you speak. At any rate, I love the darkness and serenity in this piece. The colors are gorgeous and once again, I almost smell the dankness, feel the moisture in the air. The blue heron is truly a magnificent bird and you have done him proud!

Gillian Mowbray said...

That's beautiful. I love herons but they're notoriously camera-shy in my experience. The simple act of removing a camera from the bag is enough to spook them!

Hope you're feeling better soon. Thank goodness we can't catch viruses through the internet. At least not the biological kind.

I do enjoy your artwork.

Gary said...

Thank you all for your comments and your kindness. It's funny how I feel that I have to make my excuses known when I don't post for more than a week.

Unknown said...

I love how you can almost feel the moisture in the air; it's thick and frog's are croaking. Wonderful moment captured here.

Dan Kent said...

This is beautiful! I am continuously impressed by your skill with watercolor. And, as you know, I love your subject. I too have had my breath taken away watching great blue herons fly or even seeing them standing like dignified old gentlemen as they do. Thanks for your compliments and advice re writing as well.

Krista Meister said...

Beautiful painting and great story behind it too. Love the reflections!