Sparrow Pair Bathing

6x8.5 watercolor and ink line on ColorSketch paper done today.  This pair of sparrows were happily fluffing their feathers and enjoying a cool roadside bath.  This nature bird painting will be included in August Watermedia forum on WetCanvas.
Image is COPYRIGHT 2015 Kay Smith.

Common Chipping Sparrow

8x5.5 watercolor on Strathmore Visual Journal done today.  A pencil drawing was done lightly to mark outlines then watercolor put in over areas wet with #8, #10 round brushes.  A fairly limited palette used of ultramarine and Prussian blues, quinacridones burnt orange and gold, Bice and Periwinkle blues (American Journey).  When dry I used small amounts of white and Coastal Fog (AJ) on the sparrow's breast.  Background is loose and abstract with diagonal lines indicative of branches or twigs; splattering with Blue Bice applied when dry.  This work is part of WetCanvas weekend drawing event timed exercise; photo courtesy AvengingManatee.
Image is COPYRIGHT 2015 Kay Smith.