Jill
(8” x 8”, oil on canvas)

Jen
(8” x 8”, oil on canvas)

I had a few false starts painting juncos as they are mainly grey and white, albeit with a delicate pink beak. I found my telephoto lens was vital to studying this quick little bird and once armed with some decent reference photos, I was able to examine the subtle color variations in the white bellies and the hints of red and yellow in the grey plumage. These small flashes of bright color help to enliven the grey and convey the particular appeal of this charming bird.

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