Card at the Waterline

A Heermann's Gull bends low to inspect a postcard advertising the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History's Artwalk lying on the wet sand, its reflection doubling the pose beneath it in soft gray tones. The dark gray body, white head, and bright orange bill stand out clearly against the pale ground, while the miniature painted scene on the card adds a playful, curious note to what would otherwise be a straightforward portrait. Brushed linework builds the smooth gray plumage and the crisp black-tipped bill, while glazing technique renders the wet sand's reflection and the small scene on the card.