Blue Waxbill

A blue waxbill on a bare branch, set against a flat ochre ground. The bird faces right, its blue head and breast warming to tan on the flank. The background is kept plain and slightly brushy so the figure carries the picture. I worked the bird up in smooth blended layers, holding detail in the eye, beak and feet. The branch is handled more loosely, with thicker paint and visible marks to set it apart from the body.