AUSTRALIAN MAGPIE Painting

Australian Magpies are widely distributed across the Australian continent. There are a few pockets however where they are not found. These are not members of the corvid family and differ from Old World magpies. They have one of the most beautiful voices of all Australian birds variously described as "carolling", "fluting", "organ-like". They are at their most mellifluous when singing in group of three or more - as they frequently do. Their song is one of the most redolent of Australian suburb and bush. I have been passionate about birds since a young lad in England. A diplomatic career restricted my painting but not my observation of birds. Retirement in Australia has increased both my observation and painting opportunities hence this growing collection of bird portraits. My aim is to create "portraits" ,that give some feeling of the spirit of the bird whilst remaining accurate enough to please bird-lovers, twitchers and bird painting collectors. I only paint birds that I have actually observed and this painting is of a regular visitor to our garden. I use only quality watercolour paints and watercolour paper usually made in England or France using centuries' old methods. Framing any painting optimally is always a challenge so I include with each painting framing suggestions that may help you and your framer. I hope that you will find room for one of my paintings. Best wishes Colin L. Williams NSW Southern Highlands Australia