This painting was shown in the Women’s Art Society of Montreal (WASM) BLOOM Art Exhibition at Galerie BOA, September 2024.

This is an original studio watercolour painting I did of a Great Blue Heron at Parc La Fontaine in Montreal. The heron is posed mid-step, one clawed foot raised above the surface of the pond, which is reflecting the greenery of midsummer. The heron’s gaze is intent on the water, likely seeking a fish to eat, hence the title, “Reading The Menu”. A quietly dramatic wildlife scene, the light seems to bounce around the bird, illuminating it’s contours in reflected colour. Each feather is delicately treated to enhance the soft beauty of the heron’s cape. The dimensionality of the bird and the ripples of the pond, were achieved with many layers of watercolour; predominantly lavender, May green and quin rust, with touches of perylene violet and Payne’s grey. This is a pure watercolour painting: all whites are the whites of the paper, no white paint was used. I used quite a few advanced watercolour techniques to create this piece including glazing, lifting, masking, negative painting and wet-in-wet. See the video below for a glimpse into how I created this painting. The reference photo I used with permission from Guy Trudel , a wonderful photographer of birds and other wildlife in and around Montreal. This painting is for someone who loves birds, nature and wildlife, and a source of inspiration. Ideal artwork for any living or working space.

Watercolour, 14 x 20" with a thin white border (painted area is approximately 13 x 19”), painted with professional light-fast pigments on 100% cotton paper. The painting is signed by me, JC Little, on the front and has the title and date on the back. I will include a certificate of authenticity with this painting. It will be packaged with an archival sleeve, with stiff cardboard backing on both sides, and bubble wrap to protect it, inside a box. To avoid waste, where ever possible I will re-use mailers and other packaging materials. It’s recommended to frame it behind glass, with an acid-free matte, to preserve the painting from deterioration. Display away from direct sunlight.

SHIPPING via Canada Post with tracking and insurance. This item ships to Canada, the USA and most of the EU. If you are outside these territories, please reach out to me directly so I can quote you an accurate shipping rate.

Actual colours may vary from those shown here depending on the device you are using to view the painting.All copyright and reproduction/duplication rights are reserved by the artist JC Little. This painting will be sold with the condition that the artist may show the painting in an art gallery or other art show setting upon request. Artist’s Resale Right: if this painting is resold by the buyer, the artist shall be entitled to a royalty of 5% of the price for the resale and all subsequent resales.

Prefer a signed print? Go HERE.