Parakeet

Description

Parakeet at Graves Park, Sheffield

Ring-necked parakeets are now one of the most visible birds in many parts of the UK. Originally from South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, they established themselves through the release and escape of captive birds and have been spreading steadily northward. Sheffield now has established populations, with Graves Park one of the more well-known local spots. They are not difficult to find — the bright green plumage and loud, screeching call make them unmistakable even high in a dense canopy.

The popular story — that the UK population originates from a pair released by Jimi Hendrix on Carnaby Street in the 1960s — has been convincingly debunked. Researchers traced the spread back to birds released during parrot fever scares in the 1930s and 1950s, when owners released pets after Ministry of Health warnings about psittacosis, a respiratory disease that can jump from birds to humans. Hendrix is off the hook.

At Graves Park

I photographed this bird at Graves Park in Sheffield in summer 2025. Parakeets in the park tend to stay high in the trees, which makes a clear photograph difficult. This one came down to a lower branch and stayed there long enough for a clean shot — more cooperation than they usually offer.

The Painting Process

Working in my Sheffield home studio, I completed this piece in a single painting session using oils on an 8 × 10 inch Ampersand Gessobord panel. The uniform green of the body is deceptively tricky — without careful tonal variation it reads as flat, but push the colour variation too far and it loses the natural quality of the plumage.

Original Artwork Details

This original oil painting is unframed, allowing you to choose framing that complements your interior. For advice on framing please refer to How to Frame a Painting on a Panel.

Specifications:

• Medium: Oil on gessobord panel
• Size: 8 × 10 inches (~ 20 × 25 cm)
• Depth: 0.3 cm (~ 1/8 inch)
• Unframed
• Year: 2025
• Signed on reverse

Shipping & Care

Your painting will be carefully packaged with protective materials and shipped via Royal Mail within 3-5 business days. The panel is robust and archival – oil paintings on panel have been proven to last for centuries when properly cared for. Display away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity for best longevity.