Brandt's Cormorant Greeting Card and Print

I went on a boat ride with a friend a couple weeks ago. It was a tour of Humboldt Bay on a boat called the Madaket, and it had the smallest licensed bar in California. There were about 50 people on board at the most, and the sky was gray and there was a chill in the air. But their playlist was off the hook, full and filled with 70s and 80s party songs that had a driving pop beat and lyrics that we all remembered from yesteryear. 

It was a wonderful ride!

And on that ride, I saw several cormorants, perched on the remains of rotting wood piers, black absorbing shadows of stillness.

And I knew I had to draw some. 

Brandt's Cormorants are specific to the west coast of North America. They occupy the coastline, and have a distinctive blue neck in breeding season. I thought they were absolutely lovely. 

I found some reference imagery of different cormorant species, but not many of the Brandt's variety. So I modified a different bird image to become my version of the lovely dark bird. 

I think it turned out lovely!

Here is the listing for the greeting card version, which comes with a blue envelope: https://coreyartusimagery.com/products/brandts-cormorant-single-greeting-card

Here is the listing for the 11x17" limited edition, signed and numbered giclée print that comes with a certificate of authenticity: https://coreyartusimagery.com/products/illustrated-brandts-cormorant-11x17-limited-edition-giclee-print

Here is the speed paint video: