Heron in a Hurry

Finished square editorial gouache illustration of one heron wading toward the right through cobalt-blue wetland shallows. Place the bird left of centre, with generous uninterrupted blue space ahead. Exaggerate its silhouette: a small rounded white body, an enormous angular S-shaped neck, a pointed orange bill and two impossibly long dark-navy legs. One foot is planted; the other lifts forward just above the water. Forward-tilted posture feels alert and restless. A single black eye and a broad pale-blue wing patch keep the bird recognisable at thumbnail size. Two short navy ripple strokes beneath the planted foot establish the water. Opaque flat gouache fills, slightly uneven painted edges and bold marker-like contours; minimal surface texture. No gradients, dimensional shading, collage or intricate hatching. No cream, beige, teal or terracotta. No people, text, logos or watermarks.