I wanted to paint a pretty bird, and the Gouldian finch seemed to fit the bill – if you’ll excuse the pun!

In 1841, English ornithologist, John Gould, named these little birds after his late wife, Lady Elizabeth Gould, and decreed them the most beautiful finch in the world.  Unwittingly, I appear to have chosen well.

Originating from Australia, they’re also known as the rainbow finch, because of their gorgeous plumage.   Most Gouldians have a black head: Only a small percentage have a red head – except in my painting where red head favours black 2:1.  So pretty!

Winsor and Newton watercolour on Bockingford NOT 325gm

11″ x 15″

£95