Greater Blue-eared Starling, South Africa

This striking artwork depicts a Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) from South Africa, rendered in a beautiful mixed-media style that blends detailed ink illustration with loose, expressive watercolor washes. The bird is shown in profile, its plumage shimmering with iridescent tones of teal, cobalt blue, and deep violet, with a bold golden-yellow eye that draws immediate attention. It stands among dry, golden grasses against a soft, dreamy background of pale blues and warm beiges, creating a striking contrast with the bird’s vivid coloring. The combination of precise linework and fluid watercolor splashes gives the piece an energy that feels both scientifically observant and artistically expressive.