I decided to tone down the bright green grass for something a little more Australian and the dry climate where I’m currently living.

I also thought that a light monotone background would make the magpie stand out more.

Having wet the background I started with a nice light raw umber wash that also over lapped the birds wings. This would show through the feather looking like the bird was a little dusty and more fitting into this new environment.

The magpies feather were fun to paint with different strength of black and the nice orange eye, looking straight at you.

Once all the feathers were added I started painting with a little white and blue to add some sun glints and shine to the magpies feathers.

After the highlights were added I also painted a little more dirt and the legs of the bird hiding in the grass.

The lower feather were a little harder to fan out and make them look softly blowing in the wind.

My painting hand at work, adding fine details to the magpie, and the green tape is to stop the paper from buckling and blowing off the table in the wind. Sometimes the wind gust are strong as I leave the front door open to my gallery so I can see public enter.

Final painting with some shadows under the bird and a slight impression of the magpies feet in the dry grass.

I really enjoyed painting the magpie and I’m sure I’ll paint a few more in the future as I’ve just taken some more good photos of them this week.