I took reference photos for this Ruddy Turnstone along the causeway parks on the way to Sanibel Island in Florida. I’ve been to the Gulf Coast numerous times over the years, but I’m not great with shorebirds and learn a lot on every visit. I’ve lived within an hour and a half of at least one of the Great Lakes most of my life, so I’m a bit limited in the birds I know really well. I’ve seen Ruddy Turnstones more than many shorebirds, but most have been in winter plumage. I considered swapping this one’s plumage for the more exciting breeding phase but eventually chose to paint it with the winter colors I’m more familiar with.
When I took the photos, I was struck by the warm light contrasting against the cool colors of the water. At the time I couldn’t exactly tell what the bird was sitting on: an algae covered rock? Once I reviewed the photos on my monitor, I could see that it was actually composted of oysters, barnacles and algae. While working on the painting, I chose to brag up the colors and define some of the shapes a little better on the “rock” to make it prettier and more stylized. I didn’t want to be too photorealistic when portraying the amorphous green-orange-brown globs that appeared in my photos. They looked like something spawned from the Mucinex mascot.
Please contact me if you’re interested in buying the original or a print of this painting. Some of my work is also available for licensing.
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