Lily Pads and Loon by Robert Bateman, available from Snow Goose Gallery.

 

"Through the dark, quiet water moves the loon. It is early summer, and the chick or chicks have not quite hatched. When far from the nest, loons are loud and boisterous in late summer. But during the nesting period, they are silent and secretive. It is surprising how a small lake can hide such a large bird. Very few sites are suitable for the nest. It must be at the water's edge and only inches above the water level.

In this painting I wanted to convey that secretive feeling. I made it long and horizontal to give it a secretive tranquil look. I played up the lily pads and grasses and made the water velvety, blackish green with light splotches that camouflage the loon so well near shore." - Robert Bateman.

Print released 1983.
Canvas released September 2011.