Ruby-throated Hummingbird ~ "Little Wonders" ~ Watercolor

This ruby-throated hummingbird watercolor captures the only hummingbird species that breeds in eastern North America — a tiny jewel that crosses the Gulf of Mexico nonstop during migration. That's 500 miles over open water on wings that beat 53 times per second. The ruby throat gorget flashes red-to-black depending on the angle of light, and I wanted this painting to catch that shimmer.

I worked freehand on archival cotton rag paper with Kissho Gansai pigments from Kyoto. The iridescent gorget was the painting's centerpiece — I built it through layered wet-on-wet washes, letting the mineral pigments shift from warm ruby to deep garnet as they settled. The tiny body, emerald-green back, and needle bill all required precise brushwork at a very small scale. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the only hummingbird species that breeds in eastern North America, and their 500-mile nonstop crossing of the Gulf of Mexico during migration is one of the most astonishing feats in the bird world. A bird that weighs less than a nickel, running on nectar and tiny insects, commits to open water with no place to rest.

Part of my Little Wonders collection, which celebrates birds that prove extraordinary things come in small packages. One of a kind. Free shipping, complimentary insurance, and certificate of authenticity included. Framing options available.

Materials:  Each watercolor original is unique, the only one of its kind. Created on 300lb Arches Watercolor Paper with Japanese Sumi-é watercolor paint designed to last a lifetime.

Framing: Each piece is elegantly presented with light grey matting in a handmade wooden frame with a grey-washed finish. UV plexiglass and archival materials ensure long-lasting preservation. Crafted with care, our frames are 1.5" deep and handcrafted from solid wood by our trusted local framer.

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Cost: Shipping is FREE for all original works up to approx. 30x40". For large artwork, we cover the first $500 in shipping costs; please email us your zip code for a quote.

Packaging: All originals are shipped flat (not rolled). For work larger than 30x40", though our boxes are plastic-reinforced, you have a choice of wood crating to ensure safe transport for an additional fee.

Schedule: Unframed work ships within 1-2 weeks, while framed pieces require 2-3 weeks for delivery. Crated and oversized works may take 4-6 weeks. If your order is time-sensitive, please leave us a note during checkout and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

International: For international shipping, please contact us directly before ordering. Provide the items you are interested in and your shipping address so we can estimate the cost and any constraints.

Insurance: We provide complimentary shipping insurance for all orders. In the event that your item arrives damaged, please document it with pictures and notify us immediately so we can initiate a claim on your behalf.