Blackwater river's habitat, Birds of Harper’s Island (a popular destination for bird watchers in Ireland), Animals of Gearagh – these are the three drawings I made for County Cork's colouring book: The Colourful Heritage of County Cork. As a wildlife enthusiast and nature artist, I welcome such commissions with open heart and arms, also because it's always a great pleasure to work with County Cork!
The Gearagh is a bewitching place. Situated two kilometres southwest of Macroom, County Cork, Ireland, this place is a paradise for nature lovers. Recognised as a wetland of international importance as an EU Special Area of Conservation, this marshy glacial woodland is home to many interesting plants, animals and birds. Dating back to 8000 BCE, this nature reserve is even older than the pyramids of Egypt! Enveloping within its bosom are many interesting tales and folklore.
The legends of these swampy lands to be haunted by Meascan Maraiocht, mischievous spirits that would deliberately confuse and lead visitors astray, are well known among locals and narrated to children during campfires.
The wildlife is rich and consists of a wide variety of plants, birds and fish, including freshwater pearl mussel, Atlantic salmon, whooper swans, kingfishers and otters.
Animal species I have drawn for this wildlife art project include various fish (Pike, Lamprey, Perch, Bullhead, Dace, Gudgeon, Salmon, Stone Loach, Wild Brown Trout) and birds (Shelduck, Ringed Plover, CommonPochard, Kestrel, Swan, Mallard Duck, Blue Heron, Brant Goose).
That's a lot of bird art and fish art!
The photos above show work in progress on the drawings.
