Introducing... help me decide on a title for my Grey Crowned Crane!
One doesn’t get much more majestic than the Grey Crowned Crane… That’s what I kept thinking as I was painting this incredibly interesting bird.
This beautiful photo, captured by one of my favourite photographers, Brian Culver, has been on my Wish List to use as a reference for a long, long time. The electric blue eye drew me in, but it was on closer inspection of the incredible detail of this subject that I got really excited: The intricate lines on that almost prehistoric-looking face! The beautifully bizarre white cheek, resembling an ostrich egg! The vivid red of the gular pouch! The fascinating combination of plumage — soft ribbon-like feathers on the neck and around the face; the fluffy black cap; the massive, strong feathers over the body, creating all that delicious shadow; and of course, the golden, bristle-like crown! And did I mention the enigmatic, ice blue eye?! This creature is the epitome of Mother Nature’s keen sense of creativity! Made up of an astounding array of parts… And yet, it just… goes together, forming something of such incredible beauty that it takes your breath away!
As I said -- very excited!
I don't have a title for this piece yet... In fact, I've asked my loyal subscribers to vote for their favourite (not part of this list yet? What are you waiting for?! Sign up for my totally non-spammy, super fun newsletter here!). Take a look at my ideas below, and let me know in the comments which one is your favourite (or if you have a better idea!):
"The Crown"
"Majesty"
"Royal"
"Goldilocks"
In the meantime, enjoy the creation process of this yet-to-be-named crane!
As usual, I started with the eye first.
The different “array of parts” that this beauty is made up of made for really interesting painting: I never once got bored or frustrated with any of it, since it felt like each ‘chapter’ of this bird was so different and challenging in a unique way!
"Oh myyyyyyy!!!!"
Obviously, I immediately had to show hubby, Alex, what my new phone could do, and things got a little silly!
DONE! In case you were wondering -- I did try those ridiculous camera filters on the crane, too, but alas, it only works on humans!
This bespoke watercolour original will soon be available in my online shop, along with only 20 fine art prints. If you would like to reserve either, please contact me!
In the meantime, you can see more of my work here:
