White faced heron
'Heron Duty'. 2025. V Watson original
New Zealand white faced heron
Oil on solid timber block, 85mm w x 400mm h x 40 mm deep. Ready to hang.
One in a series of 5 woodblock works, see pic of the set. Ask about buying the whole set (while still available).
ON DISPLAY - This work is also available to view/purchase in person at Wall to Wall Art Gallery, 112 Bridge St, Nelson CBD.
ABOUT
The white faced heron is endemic to New Zealand and (I'm happy to report) not actually endangered, in fact they do quite well! They're a wading bird, but it is not unusual to see them grabbing a feed of worms in a nearby paddock.
I love their plucky personality, and way they're always watching - hence this one is called Heron Duty (i.e. her on duty) . This girl is looking back over her shoulder, with the expression "I'm watching you!".
The long skinny wood block reflects the bird's length, especially when standing upright.
The timber block was upcycled. It was 'dressed' by my husband (the rough bits planed off), then prepared with several layers of primer and then a few layers of gesso before the oil paint got 'spooned on' with a knife.
I adore painting shore birds, capturing the essence of an ordinary day on the Inlet, with the wildlife, the tides and the light all working in harmony as it does in nature.
SENDING THIS WORK OUTSIDE OF NEW ZEALAND
This site is set up to send within New Zealand and Australia. My work can be sent elsewhere too, but please use the contact page to make an enquiry.