Mixed Media on paper

Signed on the front.

The Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) is one of Australia's most iconic and striking waterbirds. It is one of my favourite avian subjects because of its unconsciously regal poses and its conveniently low level of timidity. Unlike many other Australian waterbirds it is reasonably tolerant of approaching artists and photographers. The Eastern Curlew for instance of similar size and habitat is much, much more timid.. The Royal Spoonbill is relatively unthreatened at this stage although the very dry weather in Australia in 2018/19 has placed severe stress on the inland and coastal wetlands on which it relies for nesting and food. The results of this unusual climatic swing l will not be felt fully for a year or so.

I paint this bird in several media - pencil, ink, watercolour, mixed media and gouache. Oil paints are on my "one-day" list but so far gouache, mixed media and pen and ink have been my favourites
The estuary of the Shoalhaven River in NSW - particularly at Orient Point - have yielded most of my paintings.

This painting is in mixed media i.e pen and ink and gouache