Light rain had started to fall in the Costa Rican rainforest, softening the sounds of the forest. Out of the mist a toucan landed on a mossy branch and settled there, unbothered by the weather, its huge beak bright against the dark foliage behind.
Toucans are some of the most recognisable birds in the tropics. The beak looks heavy but is light and hollow, built from a honeycomb of bone and keratin, and it helps the bird reach fruit at the end of thin branches. It also helps them shed heat. In Costa Rica they move through the canopy in small, noisy groups and are often heard well before they are seen.
This bird sat side-on in soft, even light, which shows everything clearly: the yellow-green and chestnut of the beak, the yellow bib, the black body and the blue skin around the eye. The background falls away into deep green, so the colour really does jump.
It is a bold, cheerful print in portrait format. It brings colour to a living room, kitchen, study or child's room, and makes a memorable gift for anyone who has travelled to Central America or loves tropical birds.
THE PRINT
Archival pigment print (giclée) on museum-grade fine art paper. Limited edition of 30. Hand-signed and numbered by John Wiseman and issued with a signed certificate of authenticity.
SIZE
Image size 51 x 76 cm (20 x 30 in). Other sizes are available. Please enquire.
DELIVERY AND FRAMING
Made to order in Sydney, Australia. Shipped unframed, rolled in a protective tube. Custom framing in natural timber, black or white can be added through Bluethumb.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
John Wiseman is an award-winning Australian wildlife and nature photographer with more than 25 years in the field, photographing across six continents. Winner, Science & Nature, International Loupe Awards. Represented by IRID Gallery, Melbourne and Sydney.