This piece is the first time that I've merged realism with abstract since I started doing what I call my "Contemporary Lodge" movement. The reference photo came from a northern Minnesota lake that my parents fish frequently. The loons become very tolerant of fishermen so it's a windfall for great photography opportunities. This loon was already perfect, so I wasn't compelled to use artistic license on the bird's anatomy, just a little alteration on the colors, hence the "Blue Loon".
