Flash by the Water: Painting of a Common Kingfisher

Acrylic painting of a common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, on a branch overlooking the water.

Detail of an acrylic painting of a common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, showing pearlescent pigments that capture its iridescent feathers.

Year: 2025
Media: Acrylic paint on canvas

The common kingfisher is a small kingfisher found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Its distinctive large-headed and long-billed silhouette and brightly contrasting blue, orange, and white plumage make it an iconic bird. Its iridescent feathers are captured with pearlescent pigments that glitter as the viewer walks by the painting, creating an experience reminiscent of having your attention caught by the bird flying past.

Featured in the 2025 Guild of Natural Science Illustrators Juried Member’s Exhibit.