"Early Spring Statement" Red-winged Blackbird

I just realized I haven't posted anything new since early November. Where does the time go?

This is the WIP to completion of a 7 x 5 acrylic on Ampersand board, of a Red-winged blackbird declaring his early territory on an old cattail.

WIP 1, just starting:

Looking to get the form of the bird as I go. Second Stage:

More:

Getting closer, and now for more layers on the bird (5-7 layers of glaze), then to the fun part, when I get to add the cottony fluff of the old cattail!

And finally, it's done:

That was fun!

Glad to hear any comments on this one, and thanks for looking.

A Little Attitude, Young Giraffe

This is a baby giraffe that has such a facial expression that I couldn't resist trying to capture that look. He certainly had "a little attitude."

 It's a 5x7 acrylic on board, already sold. Great fun to paint!

 This is a closer look at his expression: