Framed oil painting

10 x 12 (image size) oil on board

When I took the picture for this painting,  the marshland had been relatively quiet.  I was just about to head home and was putting my camera back in the bag, when I heard a little activity. I turned around and took a last minute picture of the gander flying over the marsh wetlands.  

I liked the way the sunlight was highlighting the tips of the flight feathers on the rear of his extended wings.  Graceful and yet strong in flight, the large bird is captured in a brief moment of suspended animation.  I found a peacefulness come over me while painting it; that same feeling I had while standing, watching and waiting for just such a moment.

To read the backstory behind this painting click here.