Vintage original, signed watercolor Painting of Male Hooded Merganser by Naturalist Walter J Breckenridge. This lovely watercolor painting of a common North American water bird measures 14" tall by 11" wide and is mounted on a 7/8" thick paper hardboard. This is one of many bird studies done by the heralded naturalist, conservationist, artist and filmmaker Walter Breckenridge (known as "Breck") born 1903, died 2003. Breck was considered a "giant" in the world of nature conservation, having studied birds and small animals from childhood throughout his life. He was born in a small town in Iowa, collected butterflies, studies taxidermy and preservation before he completed high school, and went on to study natural history at the University of Iowa and did a masters and PhD at the University of Minnesota researching reptiles and amphibians. Together with Thomas Roberts of the University of Minnesota, he pioneered the use of motion pictures in nature photography. He was active with the Bell Museum at the University of Minnesota and was on the university faculty. During his career, Breck wrote more than 250 articles and created more than 60 groups of paintings of birds and small animals, many in art galleries throughout North America. He lectured on conservation issues in 46 states and was a part of the lecturing staff of the National Audubon Society for 35 years. Breck received 16 special awards for his contributions to wildlife management, ornithology and herpetology. This lovely watercolor of the saw-billed diving duck in his natural habitat is a lovely example of Breck's original work. Unframed.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: It is in very good condition - see photos for details. Not framed.

Origin:
United States

Materials & Techniques:
Paper, Watercolor

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States
Art Subjects: Animals
Frame Type: Unframed

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; It is in very good condition - see photos for details. Not framed.