Pink Robin (Petroica rodinogaster)
Mixed media on Arches paper, size 13.5 cm x 11.5 cm
Private commission – potts point, sydney
inspiration
I prefer to paint birds that I have seen in the wild and observed closely. I find this gives the best insight into their habits and characteristics.
Sometimes, I’m commissioned to paint a bird that I haven’t painted before, as with this Pink Robin. In this situation, I use other birdwatching experiences to inform my portrayal of a subject.
This painting hangs next to “Dazzling” and “Radiant” – both acquired by a private collector at my exhibition in the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, November 2009. Shortly afterwards, he commissioned this painting to create a matching set of three.
artist’s process
- I covered the original pencil drawing in masking fluid before applying a watercolour wash
- I chose acrylic for the bird to add greater depth of colour and form
Dr Megan Spiers 