A Quiet Determination

"A Quiet Determination” is a study in focused intensity and patience. I aimed to capture the elegant, unwavering posture of the Darter. This waterbird is unique for its highly specialized hunting method. It stalks it’s prey, standing motionless, until it rapidly thrusts its neck forward to spear it.

My artistic goal was to contrast this inner force with a powerful visual simplicity. The construction began with a detailed underpainting, using raw umber and white for the sky's luminosity, and burnt sienna to define the contours and textures of the head, neck and body.

The sky was developed over two layers to achieve depth—the first a warmer, thicker blue, followed by a cooler, thinly applied glaze. To capture the high sheen and rich texture of the black feathers, I used a thin mix of ivory black with accented notes of veridian, alizarin crimson, and raw umber. (I referenced Giovanni Boldini's paintings of dogs for technical inspiration.)

The finished piece brings a sense of silent, poised power—the calm before the action—achieved through patient, considered technique.

My hope is that this portrait evokes the same sense of awe and quiet dignity that we felt witnessing such extraordinary focus in the wild.