Greeting Gannets by William Ritchie

Features

ARTIST NOTES: "Greeting Gannets", Australasian gannets (Morus serrator), oil on stretched linen, 76 x 62 cm (25 x 30 inch)

Gannets are a beautiful and graceful flyer, soaring over the waves either out at sea or along the coast patrolling the breakers. When they sight a fish, they plunge headfirst towards the water, their wings extended but pressed against their streamline bodies until the hit the water leaving a splash like a bullet. When they locate a school of bait fish they form large flocks and a feeding frenzy ensues.

Gannets colonies are nearly always on island and may consist of sever thousand pairs with pair bonds being very strong. When their partner arrives they perform a unique greeting ritual, raising their bodies and heads and extending their wings while almost pressing their chests together. This is what I aimed to portray with this painting.

The birds depicted in this painting I observed at Australia's only mainland colony, situated at Point Danger in Portland, Western Victoria. The colony is an overflow from a nearby island colony and is really a sight to behold. Fortunately,the local community has embraced this marvel and have built a predator proof fence across the point to give them a fighting chance. If you visit the area they are well worth a look.

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Artist: William Ritchie

ARTIST BIO A former scientist with a PhD in biology, William now works as an artist constructing highly realistic paintings, drawings and sculpture that have received numerous awards and commendations. ​William’s skill as an artist coupled with his understanding of biology and the natural world, presents a unique perspective that is represented in the detail and character of his artwork. This unique blend allows him to more accurately portray subjects in ways that invite others to learn and better appreciate them. In 2016 and 2017 William was a finalist in the coveted Holmes Art Prize for realistic bird life art. He is also a member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists (SAA), an international organization comprised of members who produce the best animal art in the world. More information at: www.williamritchie.com.au   View works by William Ritchie in Camberwell Art Show