Alcedo atthis, Eurasian Kingfisher, diving for a snack. These birds are incredible fishers, I've watched them diving on documentary films and it's a truly impressive sight. I really don't know how the photograph I used for ref was done. But the result is stunning and it was a pleasure to paint.

I focused most of my attention on the bubbles here. They took much of my imagination and inventiveness, and a few unsuccessful trials of the highlighting, until I finally got that look. Enjoy!


Reference "Under Water" by Gisela & Manfred Delpho: http://www.delpho.de/english/index.htm
Take a look at the whole gallery on this site, there are some truly incredible photos.

Done entirely on Ps CS4.
Texture for the rocks from CG Textures.


Won First Place in the Dynamic Moments Contest - Artwork by Animal-Portraits group on DA
https://www.deviantart.com/animal-p.....work-491542094

Won Second Place in the Water-themed Contest by sarahbuhr
https://sarahbuhr.deviantart.com/jo.....R-PM-389011415

Participated in the "Traditional & Digital Art Birds" Contest by parrotsandbirdsunion
https://exotic-birds.deviantart.com.....ment-382021897

Participated in the APN Contest! (Animals, plants nature) CLOSED by rainylake
https://www.deviantart.com/rainylak.....OSED-772774750


Animated WIP here:
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/61157017/