My project for course: : Whales in Watercolour - Humpback Whale with Calf

My project for course: : Whales in Watercolour - Humpback Whale with Calf

I have chosen the humpback whale. Each year, between April and November, Australia’s Eastern coastline comes alive with the spectacular displays of humpback whales as they migrate north from Antarctic Ocean waters to the subtropical waters where they mate and give birth before returning south. The whales can travel up to 10,000 kms during this migration.
The exact timing of their migration can vary from year to year, depending upon water temperature, sea ice, predation risk, prey abundance and the location of their feeding ground.
Whaling in Australia began shortly after European colonisation. The export of whale products became Australia’s first primary industry. Originally, it was southern right and blue whales which were hunted. When these whales became scarce, Australian whalers began to target humpback whales, killing ~ 8300 off the east coast between 1949 and 1962. One of the places where this industry was based was Byron Bay. This is near where I grew up and to where I have recently returned. I think few people know the origin the name of one of the now famous beaches of Byron Bay. It is called Tallow beach.
Fortunately the humpback whale population has recovered but climate change may pose risks to their population again.
I have included a work in progress of humpback whale and calf. Hope to finish it soon.
Apart from an interest in the conservation of these beautiful creatures and the part they play in an healthy ecosystem, I am interested in the dreaming stories of our First Nations peoplesrelated to whales. There is much wisdom and knowledge in these stories.
Because I no longer have a studio, I am know trying to translate my art skills into digital art. A recent digital work has incorporated a couple of whale images.