Carolina Chickadee quick study - 5x7 oil on canvas (20 min.)

20 min. color study, 5x7, from photo reference. In preparation for a painting, I do smaller ‘thumbnail’ pictures to figure out the colors to be used in the larger pieces. I try to limit these studies to 20 minutes or so, mixing colors on the fly. This is a great discipline for focusing your attention on the most important parts of the piece, sharpening observation skills, and avoiding noodling. Paint tends to get absolutely everywhere though.