Egrets in Antigua: grace in motion & in form

Egrets abound here in Antigua—at least three species, more if you count the herons. It was their grace that first attracted me, both at rest and in flight. But what truly captivated me were the striking shapes and lines they create in so many different positions—wings extended, necks curved, legs trailing behind like brushstrokes in the air.

As I continued exploring my semi-abstract contemporary style in both watercolour and acrylic, I became even more aware of how important those shapes and gestures were to my compositions. Their "whiteness" also offered a compelling challenge and opportunity—something to play with in terms of light, shadow, and negative space. Sometimes I portray them in delicate detail, and other times simply as elegant silhouettes that suggest rather than define.

Before I began painting egrets, I mostly focused on hummingbirds and pelicans. The hummingbirds appealed through their energy and colour; the pelicans, through their bold forms and quirky postures. I interpreted both in abstracted ways, but the egrets invited something different—something quieter, more contemplative. There’s a meditative quality in painting them, almost like sketching movement in slow motion.

What I find particularly rewarding is how the egret form can adapt across different compositions. A single bird might become the anchor in a minimalist piece, while in another painting, a group of them might echo each other’s shapes in a rhythmic dance. I often begin with loose sketches, letting the lines flow until something clicks. Then I’ll start building colour and contrast, always watching for that delicate balance between abstraction and recognition.

These birds have become something of a recurring motif for me—not just because of their beauty, but because of how they represent the broader relationship between nature and art. They remind me to slow down, observe, and allow for spontaneity in my process.

You can see a few examples of my egret paintings below. Each one comes from a different mood or moment, but they all carry the same fascination I first felt watching them along the Antiguan shoreline.