“Avocet of the Exe”

This piece is available to view at Artenax in Topsham.
For early access to future pieces, join my ‘Collector’s Club’ via the homepage, or complete the ‘back in stock’ request. 
In my humble option, the avocet is one of the most elegant birds on the Exe Estuary - not only is it the symbol of conservation, but it is instantly recognisable with its slender upturned beak and striking black-and-white plumage. I was inspired to paint this piece after watching the avocets at sunset at the bird hide on the Exe Estuary; their beaks sweeping gracefully through the shallows in a motion known as scything all the while, the sunlight glimmering from the water and reeds around them. 
To capture that moment, I used my signature textured gold and gilding to reflect the glow of evening light on the water. The result is a painting that celebrates not only the beauty of the avocet, but also the sense of stillness and wonder that comes from seeing them.
Original
Mixed media: Acrylic and gold coloured gilding on deep-edge box canvas. 
41 x 51cm.
£425 plus delivery. 
Certificate of authenticity. 
Sign-up to my ‘Collectors Club’, via the homepage, for a 10% discount on your first original or print. 
For more details, please get in touch via the contact form, by email at victoriakirtleyart@gmail.com or by phone: 07828 215567.
Victoria. X