Norene and I do extensive travel to state parks throughout the midwest. We love the forests, the lakes, streams and waterfalls, but what we like the most is when we come across wildlife. We’ve driven past flocks of wild turkeys, through herds of deer, past squirrels, chipmunks and raccoons. This painting portrays a beautiful white bird. We didn’t see it at first, but soon we saw it’s brilliant white body against the black background.

This painting was done with a palette knife, no brushwork. It has horizontal bands of color contrasted by the bird as it stands vertically through them. The branches are organic compared to the geometric background. All of these, as well as the contrast between the bird against the dark forest behind it give interest to the painting.

Often when I’m paddling my canoe, I go around a bend and see the head of a blue heron sticking up. It notices me, then it takes off with it’s big wings and long legs. What a stunning view!

I did this entirely by palette knife. I would get paint on it, then scrape it on the canvas. This gives an interesting texture. I’ve used contrast, like the light head against the dark background to give drama to the picture.