On The Easel 2

wildlife art

New Wildlife Paintings by Martin Ridley

Works in progress - a chance to preview my very latest wildlife paintings. Observe how a painting of incoming barnacle geese evolves from the initial compositional drawings through to completion.

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Picture of barnacle geese, Branta leucopsis: Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Caerlaverock, Solway Firth

BARNACLE GEESE
on the Solway Firth

The barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) is a small goose with a distinctive conspicuous white or cream-coloured cheek patch.

There are two other species of black geese native to Europe: the brent goose (Branta bernicla) and the red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis). Here in the U.K. the canada goose (Branta canadensis) is an introduced species.

Barnacle geese, Branta leucopsis: Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Caerlaverock

Barnacle geese are very vocal, their call can be likened to the yap of a small dog. The noise of a big barnacle geese flock just feeding is impressive, but the spectacle of a few thousand geese taking wing combined with the crescendo of sound is quite stunning.

view initial sketches and compositional drawings

Wildfowl Art: Barnacle Goose, Branta leucopsis on Solway Firth -see how initial sketches are developed into a painting composition

Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) Pencil and Cut Paper Layout

Painting Stages

Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis)

Illuminated in a patch of sun the striking black and white markings of a barnacle goose flock look great against a dark sky. This is the atmosphere that I'm striving for with this painting.