Spring Pond - Gadwalls by Kerri Burnett

ABOUT THE ARTIST: KERRI BURNETT

Kerri Burnett spent most of her childhood in southern Ontario, moving to western Canada as a teenager. She studied painting at the University of Alberta where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. In the four years since Burnett began exhibiting her work, she has carved out an impressive international reputation. She was selected by Ducks Unlimited Canada as the 1995 and 1996 National Supplemental Artist. Her work juried into both “Wildlife: the Artist’s View” and “Birds in Art” at the prestigious Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin. She also successfully participated in the Christie’s 1996 Wildlife Art Auction in London, England. Kerri is one of a handful of Canadians elected to membership in the renowned Society of Animal Artists in New York.

ABOUT THE PAINTING: “SPRING POND - GADWALLS”

“When I began this painting, I was thrilled with the challenge of creating a stamp within a larger composition. What interests me the most about wildlife is the complexity of their natural habitat. This fascination permeates my work. Environmental complexity is the vehicle through which I manipulate colour and form, into an exciting artistic composition. The motivation for this painting came from a small marsh just outside of Edmonton. I spent a number of weekends birding near this rich shallow pond. I tried to capture the purple and rust colours of one particular sunset that enchanted me. Many species of ducks inhabit the area but the subtle colouration of the gadwalls created a nice contrast with the more vibrant hues of the background.”

- Kerri Burnett