Green Heron ~ "In The Distance" ~ "Oh, to Fly" ~ Watercolor

This green heron watercolor painting captures a bird gazing away from the viewer, its attention fixed on something we can't see. "In The Distance" is about that quality green herons have — the sense that they're always watching something just beyond your perception. They're smaller than great blue herons but arguably more intense. Where a great blue heron commands through size, a green heron commands through focus.

I painted this freehand on archival cotton rag paper using Kissho Gansai pigments from Kyoto. The green heron's plumage is one of the most complex color stories in my work — deep blue-green on the back, rich chestnut on the neck, streaked underparts that shift between cream and rust. Building those colors wet-on-wet with mineral pigments means each tone settles at its own pace. The result is a depth of color that flat mixes can't achieve. Alla prima, one session.

This painting is part of a trio of green heron pieces in my Oh, to Fly! collection, each exploring a different facet of this underappreciated bird. "In The Distance" is the most contemplative of the three. One of a kind on archival cotton rag paper. Works beautifully in studies, hallways, and intimate spaces where a quiet presence is welcome. Framing options available. Free shipping, complimentary insurance, and certificate of authenticity included.

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.

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