Big Blue May 30, 2013
The Great Blue Heron is a regal bird of grace and power.
Seeing wildlife in a remote habitat always helps me reconnect with our natural world.
This painting was inspired by several sketches done in the field.
11X14
Watermedia on 140# Soft Press
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The last two days have been filled with watercolor at the Long Trail School in Dorset, Vermont. Thank you Anharad Edson and Hakan Brosnan for your generous hospitality. I had a great time painting with you and my 125 new friends. Keep up the good work!
I Love it! Creating new artists is always a great thing. Inspiring them you to tap into their creative side is awesome!
Thanks Michelle. Picasso said: “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” I’m not sure who got inspired more, the students or me.
Peter – really love it – would look good in my office at Maine Audubon….
Thank you Judy, since most Vermonters take an occasional trip to Maine, I might have to sneak a Maine scene in one of these days.
Happy to see your new ‘friends’ in Dorset. What a great way to inspire a new generation about art.
Hello Gillian, yes so much creative energy, talent, and potential in one place. As much fun as it was, and it was, I again walked away from a classroom environment in awe of teachers. I had to take a nap as soon as I got home!
How wonderful that you’ve been at Long Trail! Anharad is an amazing teacher, as well as a lovely person. How lucky her students were able to enjoy both of you this week! I LOVE blue herons. I have been traveling down to Vermont Arts Exchange the past few weeks to work with North Bennington Head Start kids, and on the way I’ve been watching more and more of the herons arrive at the rookery that’s in the little wetland on the north side of route 7 between Manchester and Arlington. All the nests are now occupied! I’m hoping for more work down there this summer so I can watch the growth of the hatchlings, as I did last year. Perhaps you’d like to go down there with your camera and photograph them for future work, Peter.
PS I know what you mean about a nap after a day with creative kids!
Thank you very much for the tip Rosemary, I know exactly where you are talking about.
Peter, your visit and fascinating demonstrations inspired all of us here at Long Trail School! Among other things you showed us how to be very deliberate with our brushstrokes while creating a vibrant painting that looks spontaneous and fresh! Thank you so much. I love the contrast and color in the heron painting! Hope to see you again soon…..happy painting!
The pleasure was all mine Anharad. I came away with a fresh infusion of youthful optimism, energy, and spirit. Thank you!
Peter — Are we in VT or Florida? He looks like my Sarasota neighbor!!! I love the excitement and energy of this piece! You’ve certainly captured his spirit and brilliance!
Also, it’s such a joy to see a classroom of young artists inspired by Vermont’s beauty and YOU! What a blessing it is for your students and you to share in creativity!
Thanks for the nice comments Jill, hope to see you soon in Vermont!