This painting was from 1999-2000. Anhingas are interesting birds. At times they are really attractive, but occasionally they seem rather awkward. This female anhinga has some molting feathers on her head. They have a few nicknames including Water Turkeys and Snake-birds. When hunting for fish they swim with their bodies submerged and their heads above water, which emphasizes the serpent-like necks. I thought it would be neat to really emphasize the colorful eye area on the bird by reducing the palette for the rest of the painting. The black, white and brown feathers of the back and wing were a good challenge in transparent watercolor.
This painting was selected for the 2000 Adirondacks National Art Exhibition.
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