"Dancer (1)"
 
This is one of two complementary paintings of the Arctic Tern. 
It can be purchased individually, or, if Dancer (2) is still available, as part of a pair. Both paintings of the Arctic Tern are mounted on wood panels and placed in a pure white solid wood frame (see images above). 
These arctic tern paintings are also available as fine art prints. See the drop-down menu for all purchase options. 
 
The Arctic Tern is one of our most graceful birds - a true dancer of the air.
 
These exquisite birds are migratory visitors here in the UK, arriving in April and leaving in September. The UK (especially northern UK) is one of their stop-off points on a vast journey from the Arctic to Antarctica that they undertake every year.  A single Arctic Tern can travel anywhere between 44,000 to 59,000 miles a year.
 
With their distinctive red beaks and feet, and their fine white swallow-like tails, these are truly beautiful birds. However, they are also fierce protectors of their nests. I first experienced this when I visited the sea bird colonies of the Farne Islands, off the northumbrian coast. Here, the birds will literally dive-bomb you if they find you too close to their nest - and they are not afraid to connect their beak with your head, harshly chattering and chittering as they do so.  Many a visitor who has forgotten their hat, has come away with a mild wound after underestimating these birds.
 
On the cumbrian coast, they are a welcome visitor each year. And I love to go and see them nesting on pebbled beaches, and to watch their aerial displays as they return again and again with beaks full of sand eels for their young.
 
Watercolour and acrylic ink infused with flower essences and sprinkled with AquaBronze powder. 
On Canson Moulin du Roy 100% cotton paper, waxed and mounted on wood panel, with solid wood white surround frame. 
 
Size of painted area: 9x12"
Size of framed piece: around 12.5 x 14.5"