On a recent visit to the Kruger National Park, I found myself becoming more and more captivated by sightings of birds. Despite the fact that it was during the dry winter months when the migratory birds are far away in the northern hemisphere, it felt as though I was seeing a greater diversity than on many previous occasions; rollers and sunbirds, orioles and kingfishers, barbets, owls and coucals – suddenly it felt as though there were birds everywhere. Looking back at the photographs from the trip, I have become absorbed by the structure of birds, the detail of the feathers, the shape of the bills, the configuration of the tails. As a result of these observations, I’ve now embarked on a series of bird studies – both pencil drawings and watercolours. Given the incredible variety of species in southern Africa, this could be a long journey!

The Southern Double Collared Sunbird occurs in a wide variety of habitats across southern Africa, from coastal forests to the dry semi desert of the Karoo to suburban gardens. The males have a metallic iridescent green head, a narrow blue band and a bright red chest. They build nests of wild lichens and moss, twigs and small roots all tightly bound with spider web. During the breeding season, the males perch on a favourite branch, exposing their colours in the sunshine and bursting into song – a rapid jumble of swirling, sizzling and tinkling notes.

Signed Limited Edition Print on 300 GSM Fine Art Cotton Paper from an original watercolour painting. This print is delivered rolled into a tube, ready for framing. Free worldwide shipping.

Limited Edition of 25 Fine Art Prints.

Size: 420mm x 300mm