More Red-breasted Nuthatch paintings...

Painting 82, Red-breasted Nuthatch with confetti-warm feathers...

Pencil drawing, watercolor, oil pastel

9x12 Arches Rough 140 Lb Paper

This little Red-breasted Nuthatch started its life as a pencil drawing. Later that evening when I got home, he morphed into a watered-down watercolor where he sat all night being bored and looking boring. I couldn't take it, so last night I pulled out a new pack of oil pastels that I picked up from Michaels last weekend and an old pack...from 1978 (I couldn't believe they still worked!) and started experimenting. I haven't used oil pastels since high school, so I didn't know what would happen. As I added in layer after layer, I loved the feel. I used a smudge stick and my fingers to blend. At the end, I shaved bits of the pastel over the painting and then smashed the bits in with a downward movement of my finger for a heavier pigment release. He sort of looks like he's among falling confetti (some sort of birdie party, I guess).

Painting 83, Vigilant nuthatch, always ready to work.

Pencil drawing, watercolor, oil pastel, soft pastel

9x12 Arches Rough 140 Lb Paper

The process on this painting was similar to Painting 82, but I deviated on the background, bringing in a square-shaped soft pastel to scrape some of the oil pastel away and then leave its powdery residue behind to be smeared over the rest of the painting. I love experimenting with these different styles. It's so much fun to make up things as you go!