"The artist...is also a born adventurer. His explorations, unlike those of a tourist, are rewarded by the discovery of beauty spots unmentioned in the guide books, and with tireless curiosity and an exceptional proneness to wonderment, he will come upon objects of remarkable interest overlooked or even shunned by more disciplined observers."

Augustus John, R.A.




Saturday, 10 May 2008

Collard Dove

0800 am this morning.
Collard Dove perched briefly in the conifer at the bottom of the garden. Another one calling from the back of the same tree, but hidden behind the foliage. This is a bird that I had hitherto ignored and haven't drawn often. But it has a subtle delicacy quite different to a Woodpigeon or Stock Dove, coloured in a very subtle, harmonious combination of warm browns, greys and buffish pinks. Saw the first Swift of the year over the garden yesterday evening as I was cutting the grass.

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