Great Blue Heron ~ "Between Two Worlds" ~ "Oh, to Fly" ~ Watercolor

This blue heron original watercolor captures a great blue heron suspended in the space between water and sky — that moment of stillness before takeoff when the bird exists in two worlds at once. "Between Two Worlds" is one of the most meditative pieces in my Oh, to Fly! collection. There's a tension in the heron's posture that I find endlessly compelling: power held in perfect check, waiting for the right instant to release.

I painted this freehand, alla prima (completed in a single session), using Kissho Gansai pigments from Kyoto on archival cotton rag paper. The blues and grays of the heron's plumage were built in layered washes, letting the pigments settle naturally into the paper's texture. Great blue herons challenge me because their subtlety is the point — the color shifts across their feathers are so nuanced that any overworking destroys them. One session, no corrections. That discipline is what gives the painting its life.

This is a large-scale original from the Oh, to Fly! collection. It makes a striking focal point in living rooms, studies, and entryways. The painting's quiet strength works especially well in spaces where you want something contemplative rather than decorative.

One of a kind. Free shipping and complimentary insurance included on all originals. Archival giclée prints of select Oh, to Fly! works are available separately.

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.

Additional questions? Please see the FAQ

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.