Photo credit: Robert Dekker (used with permission)

The gift of seeing the tiny flash of iridescent blue and bright crimson as this spectacular little bird winks in and out of slight around the bend of the creek in which he calls his home is something I always have, and always will, treasure as a beautiful reminder of the stunning beauty and complexity of God's creation. I am so thankful to have our own resident Azure Kingfisher as 'king' of the creek at our own family farm - a gift I never even thought could become a reality.
These beautiful little creatures take me back to my childhood, camping at a little farm just outside Gympie. I remember seeing that flash of colour for the first time, gazing in wonder and wondering what exactly it was that I saw. I remember sitting by the creek early in the morning, still as possible on the little log or stone I had found until I started to go numb, watching for the early morning risers - the platypus, the birds, and especially the little kingfisher.
I remember this intelligent little creatures waiting patiently, still as a stone, and darting at the last moment to catch tiny fish or insects that came too close to the surface of the water. I remember following him down the creek - watching him dart to each bend in the creek as I ambled after them, almost as if he was waiting for me to catch up. I remember canoeing with my sister and rowing up to a couple perched on the overhanging trees by the bank, almost close enough to touch. I remember the intelligence in those eyes - the wisdom, the curiosity, and the fearlessness of these tiny little creatures. Every time I see these birds, I am in awe of the stunning beauty, the grace and precision of every movement, and the personality and intelligence - packaged inside such a tiny creature... and my heart fills with praise for the One who created such a perfect little creature.
I have chosen to paint this beautiful bird poised in stillness and perfect patience as he watches by the creek in which he calls his home. Celebrating his gorgeous colouring, I have chosen to leave a significant amount of negative space, save for the dancing specks of mist above the creek dancing in the morning light.

Vacuum sealed and matted, ready for framing