🐦Wildlife Watercolour by Robin Reckitt British Woodland Birds, 30+ Species Group (1973)

🎨 Subject & Medium

A fine original British ornithological artwork, painted in watercolour on paper and protected under a front glass cover, dated 1973. The scene features a vibrant natural assembly of over 30 mixed bird species, all grouped in a peaceful forest clearing surrounded by lush vegetation.

At the heart of the composition stands a European Robin (Erithacus rubecula), perched on a fallen tree trunk, surrounded by a lively and richly detailed flock of songbirds – a celebration of avian life in its natural habitat.

🐦 Bird Species Identified in the Painting

🔝 Upper Section – Sky & Branches

• Swallow – In flight with long forked tail (top center)

• House Martin – Black and white, flying nearby

• Jackdaw – Large, dark bird perched on pot (upper left)

• Blue Tit – Yellow-blue plumage, among the branches

• Great Tit – Yellow chest, black head stripe

• Long-tailed Tit – Small body, long tail, near center tree

• Goldfinch – Red face, yellow wing bar (mid-right)

• Chiffchaff / Willow Warbler – Pale yellowish bird near foliage

🌳 Middle Section – Tree & Ground Level

• Blackbird – Deep black with bright yellow beak

• Bullfinch (male) – Soft pink underparts, black cap

• Greenfinch – Olive-green tone, mid-right foliage

• Song Thrush – Brown with speckled breast (left ground)

• Robin – Bright orange chest, centrally perched

• Pheasant (male) – Striking, iridescent plumage (foreground)

👇 Lower Section – Foreground & Grass

• Dunnock (Hedge Sparrow) – Grey-brown, bottom center

• Pied Wagtail – Black and white with long tail

• Chaffinch (male) – Reddish chest, white wing bars

• Sparrows – Multiple brown birds throughout

• Wren – Small with signature upturned tail

• Goldcrest or Firecrest – Tiny bird, golden crown

❓ Possible Additions

• Grasshopper Warbler – Possibly among lower grass birds

• Warbling White-eye – Symbolic addition, if present

• Long-tailed Skua – May be one of the birds in flight

• Pigeon / Dove – Possibly subtle, not clearly defined

🖌️ Composition & Technique

This beautifully orchestrated watercolour captures a moment of lively stillness in a sun-dappled forest clearing. The composition is anchored by the European Robin, its vivid orange-red breast immediately drawing the eye, while over 30 birds interact around it — perched, fluttering, calling, or at rest.

Reckitt arranges the flock with natural balance and movement, guiding the viewer’s gaze organically through the scene. The background features gentle washes of earthy browns, mossy greens, and pale sky blues, creating a soft yet structured environment that enhances the birds without overwhelming them.

Each species is brought to life through precise brushwork and a thoughtful, vibrant palette:

• The pheasant glows with iridescent blues, greens, and chestnuts,

• Goldfinches flash their red masks and yellow wing bars,

• Blue and Great Tits introduce bright lemon and sky blue,

• While softer tones of olive, rose, and rust accent the finches, warblers, and sparrows.

This interplay of rich natural colour and painterly control captures both the beauty and the behavioural authenticity of British birdlife. The result is a composition that is not only scientifically observant, but emotionally resonant — a vivid celebration of nature in motion.

✍️ Artist Signature

Signed "Robin Reckitt" in the bottom left corner. Dated 1973 — an early, exceptional work in the artist’s career.

🧑🎨 About the Artist: Robin Reckitt

Robin Reckitt is a respected British wildlife illustrator and painter, known for capturing birds in their natural habitats. After careers in the Royal Artillery and Shell UK, Robin pursued his passion for art, studying Wildlife Illustration at Dyfed College of Art and graduating in 1978.

He has exhibited at prestigious venues including Mall Galleries, London, and in the USA, and remains an active member of the Fosseway Artists and Blockley Art Society. His works are widely collected and appreciated for their fine detail and authenticity.

🖼️ The Frame

Set in the original wooden frame with hanging thread – ready for immediate display. The frame shows minor signs of age that enhance its vintage character.

📏 Framed Dimensions

• Height: 61 cm

• Width: 50.5 cm

• Depth: 2.5 cm

🏷️ Provenance

This artwork originates from a private collection a notable southern shire auction house and is now part of the curated holdings of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, specialists in quality British and European artworks.

It includes an original gallery label verso from The Loquens Gallery, affirming its authenticity and exhibition history. Like all our offerings, it has been chosen for its quality, subject, and artistic merit.

💖 Why You'll Love It:

✅ A rare and highly detailed study of British and European birdlife
✅ Features 30+ species including robin, raven, pheasant, tit, and finch
✅ Signed original by a known wildlife illustrator
✅ Rich in natural charm – ideal for collectors, bird lovers, and nature enthusiasts
✅ Perfect for a library, study, or country home setting

🔍 Condition

• Painting: very condition with vibrant colours; no visible tears, stains, or water damage

• Frame: Good condition with minor surface wear, scuffs, and light ageing appropriate to its era.

   

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🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

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