Two weeks in the Arctic

I was lucky to spend two weeks studying seabirds in Varanger, Northern Norway. The area is famous for the wintering King Eiders and Stellers Eiders that can be seen in the harbors, but other more common species like the Long-tailed Ducks were also lovely to see. I lived close to a Kittiwake colony at Ekkerøy, and Purple Sandpipers were everywhere. Despite the low temperatures and cold wind, I spent most days outside painting in the snow. This was an interesting experience since the watercolors froze instantly, creating unexpected effects on the paintings. Ofcourse, the circumstances were not ideal, but that is the point of painting in the field for me - I get different results. If my fieldwork looked the same as the studio work, what would be the point?

The Kittiwake colony at Ekkerøy. The sky was constantly filled with birds and sounds of spring. Watercolor on paper 38x56cm

Study of male Stellers Eider in Vadsø. Watercolor on paper 32x50cm

Group of Stellers Eiders in Vadsø. The birds often bend their neck backwards like the Common Eiders do during courtship. The water froze, creating interesting textures in the water. Watercolor on paper 32x50cm

Study of a female Stellers Eider, the painting session was unfortunately disturbed by a sudden snowfall

Male Stellers Eider from the sketchbook. This bird was actively diving, so I had to wait for it to return to the surface before continuing the study

King Eider study from the sketchbook, you can see the ice crystals in the colors

Sketchbook spread with Kittiwake studies

Purple Sandpiper

Portrait study of a male Long-tailed Duck, Vadsø harbor

The bird cliffs at Ekkerøy seen from my kitchen window