Watercolour on 300 gsm, Baohong water colour paper

Painted as an 'open' commission, welcoming the birth of my Great Niece. After her mum had seen the very first Magpie I had painted, she asked me to paint something for her new little daughters room. You might guess from the title, her name.

So with an Australian twist on the tradition of the stork making a  'new born' delivery, not 'swaddled' but tucked and hidden amongst the scarlet Gum blossoms, safely in the firm grip of Mrs Pie, 'Maggie Mae' arrived.

Thinking of all the love she will receive, I surrounded this sweet little 'gumnut baby', in a branch full of gum blossoms. With multifaceted green and gold 'gem- like gum leaves. Our little blossom is in the firm grip of one of the worlds more intelligent and very protective birds, the Magpie.

Anyone who has been nearby  Magpies nesting during spring  and summer will most likely have a tale tell about how protective Magpies are.

Inspired by Australian author and Artist May Gibbs and her Gum Nut Babies.  Painted during an extremely emotional period for me, as my mother was departing this life and Maggie Mae was just beginning hers.

Fun Fact: Do you know the legend behind why the stork was depicted delivering new born swaddled babies?

It possibly originated in Europe where the storks spend their breeding season and stems from their migration pattern in Europe. In medieval times, couples would often marry during the summer solstice, believing summer was the time of fertility. This is also the time white storks start their migration south to spend winter in warmer climates. Coincidentally, storks returned to Europe nine months later for breeding season which coincides with a lot of  so called 'honey moon' babies being born. Hence the connection and a legend was born. Ref/Source: Monica H. Lead Keeper , Birds. Zoo Atlanta.