About the Painting

“Each painting is born of an inspiration. ‘Along The Edgewater – American Wigeon’  was inspired by numerous visits to the Courtenay estuary, just a stone’s throw from my home. The estuary is located near the Courtenay River and is a popular spot for a variety of waterfowl species, including the American Wigeon.

I’ve often observed the American wigeon swimming under the rubble of an old bridge; I decided to depict this scene for several reasons. The textures of the old pillars particularly appeal to me; their rough surfaces, brought out by the sunlight, present an interesting contrast to the delicate appearance of the leaves, grass and feather patterns. I also like the defined verticals that the pillars give to the composition, in contrast to the horizontal movement of the ducks, water and wild mulberry tree. But I like to include a human element in many of my paintings, as a reminder of the influence we have on nature.

It was important to me to correctly represent the components in terms of the time of year. After some research and personal observation, I chose the beginning of October here on Vancouver Island. The American Wigeon puts on its breeding plumage after the summer molt, and I find the colors of the wild mulberry more appealing at this time of year.

As an artist, nature is a rich source of inspiration for me every day. I’ve always found my walks along the shore a rich and exciting habitat.”

About the Artist

W. Allan Hancock

Nature has fascinated W. Allan Hancock since childhood. He spent most of his youth in Saskatchewan, where abandoned properties and remnants of human heritage left a deep impression on him. Today, Allan continues to cherish both of these interests, and reflects on the passage of time and man’s influence on this land.

Allan’s artistic career began in 1989, when he accepted a full-time position as a wildlife artist for a greeting card company. He soon began exhibiting his work in galleries, as demand for his work grew. Attracted by Vancouver Island’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife, Allan moved there in 1995 to pursue an artistic career as a full-time freelancer.

Allan’s artwork is selected for numerous fundraising projects for habitat conservation and wildlife protection. He is the youngest artist ever to be named Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Artist of the Year. In 1996, he received the Waterfowl Art Award. His work is also featured on the 2005 Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp. His work can be found in collections across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

Allan lives in Comox Valley with his wife, Taryn, and children Ezra and Sage. His work is in the Peninsula Gallery, Sidney, BC, and the Birthplace of BC Gallery, Fort Langley, BC.

Visit Allan’s website to see more of his work.