Elodie Guéguen-Teil- Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius)

The Secretary bird immediately captivates with its elegance and unmistakable silhouette. Standing tall with its striking orange face and dramatic crest feathers, it possesses both strength and grace. For this portrait, I chose to paint the bird facing the viewer, creating a direct encounter through its gaze. I wanted its expression to invite curiosity and connection rather than simply admiration.

The soft peach background enhances the warm orange tones of its face while creating a calm, luminous atmosphere. Colour plays an essential role in my work: it is not only there to create contrast, but also to evoke joy and encourage people to slow down and truly observe the living world.

I selected the Secretary bird for The Art of Conservation because it is one of the threatened bird species I have painted. Today, the Secretary bird is listed as Endangered. Habitat loss and degradation, agricultural expansion, poisoning, and human disturbance are causing its population to decline across Africa. Through this portrait, I hope to celebrate its beauty while reminding viewers that remarkable species like this depend on our willingness to protect the habitats they call home.

30x25cm

50% of the proceeds from this piece will be donated to Le Tichodrome, a local facility for injured wild animals. To learn more about their work please visit https://www.le-tichodrome.fr/

To see more of Elodie's work be sure to follow on Instagram @art.elodie.g