GLADES MIRAGE (Original Painting) Oil on Canvas, 36 x 48 Unframed by Susan Andreasen

Inspired by the Great Blue Heron in its natural habitat. While not endangered, the heron symbolizes patience, wisdom, and the importance of ecological balance.

This painting came about when I was on Lake Okeechobee and was watching a big Blue Heron flying by unconcerned with our present. The wing spans of this bird are very impressive. The pattern is magnified with the blues when they open their wings are very impressive. What a great pattern of trees showing the assorted colors, foliage and light dancing on the animals blending together.

No, Great Blue Herons are not rare; they are common and widespread across North America, inhabiting wetlands, coasts, and even human-altered areas, though they are considered a species of least concern by conservationists due to their large, adaptable populations. While some local populations face threats from habitat loss or pollution, the species as a whole are abundant, with millions of mature individuals making them familiar sight near water

Seeing a blue heron often symbolizes patience, self-reliance, wisdom, and inner calm, acting as a spiritual messenger to slow down, trust your intuition, and wait for the right moment, representing a connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. It can also signify good luck, especially in fishing, and encourages finding balance and clarity in life.