Arctic Tern, Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Gesso and acrylic on 300lb cotton paper.

56cm X 76cm

During the short polar summer, the cacophony of nesting birds is wonderful.   In such contrast to the winter silence, or more likely the threatening growl of winter winds.    Down by the shore the Arctic Terns lay claim to the beach, mercilessly attacking all comers.

I observed them from a respectful distance, as they darted up and down the shore line looking for fish.   I wanted to paint this Tern close to and in front of the picture plane, to convey a feeling of their dominance and command of the space.

All my paintings are available as a limited edition Giclee print, LP Contact or at www.madeinross.co.uk