Cypress Sanctuary

Acrylic on canvas:
This painting is inspired by a tranquil morning along the Tennessee River where I observed a great blue heron wading among the cypress knees. I enjoyed the stillness of the moment and felt compelled to capture it on canvas. I began with a quick brush sketch in my art journal with color notes for reference when I returned to my studio. In studio, I began by laying down a warm underpainting establishing the early morning atmosphere. Using layers of acrylics, I built up the depth of water, the textures of the cypress trees, and the intricate details of the heron's feathers. I used lost and found edges to emphasize the organic shapes of the cypress knees and rippling river. I focused my final touches on the heron's features as I worked to bring bird to life while establishing it as my painting's focal point. This piece is a tribute to the peaceful solitude I found at the river's edge and the elegance of the blue heron in its natural habitat. Beautiful.