Western scrub jay.

[birdlover]

Here is what I've been working on. I've been having trouble with the white feathers on his chest. Any suggestions on the work as a whole. I feel like I'm in a slump with scratchboard. Kinda dissatisfied with my work.

[birdlover]

The ones where the blue is. Boy thats a crappy pic from my new iPad 2.

[jeniart]

Love the pose here Angela. Difficult to make any crits on the feathers as its looking a bit blurred to me.

[birdlover]

Ok let me try this again.

[KJBaker422]

I'm assuming the white feathers underneath the bird need to look softer and IMO I think a fiberglass brush would be perfect for that.

[shford]

I love the color! I'm thinking though that the beak needs to be defined a little more. Maybe some small highlights?

[Harry Seymour]

Angela, you have a unique losse style that I for one like. But, as artists we change our styles over time. I assume as you continue to work you will find your comfort level.

[birdlover]

Glad you like the color stephanie. I'll add some highlights to the beak. Did not really want to use the fiber brush on him. I like the look of the white feathers its just the ones on the blue that I'm having trouble with. I want to keep him scrubby so kept the feathers kinda ragged.
Thanks so much Harry. Your right I've been trying to change some things so I do feel a bit out of the comfort zone and hopefully will be satisfied with my work again soon. I started another surfer so they are always fun and looser like you said.

[artofnature]

I have always liked your work Angela just the way it is. It's very fresh, minimal and very unique. You certainly capture the essence of the birds you scratch and that is what art is all about.

Don't be so hard on yourself with your work. It's very fresh and appealing.

You do pick challenging subjects. I shy away from feathers as I find them very difficult to do.

[birdlover]

Thanks a lot Lesley. That makes me feel better. Your right I should be a little less critical.

[PatrickHedges]

Nice bird Angela. Well done.

I guess if I have one crit it would be in the composition, not being a fan of cutting feet off.

[Winky'sMom]

Pretty bird Angela, like your loose style as well.

[Diane Cutter]

Love the cock of the head, so alert and 'what's up' looking. I'm also a fan of your loose style...

Diane

[snoball]

I like him Angela. Don't worry about being critical, we are all our own worst critics. None of us are better or worse than the other, we all just have different ways of doing things.

[birdlover]

Thanks Winky's Mom. Diane that is why I liked the picture was his look and the blue. Words to live by Snoball. Thanks Patrick I'll keep that in mine for the next painting. I did spray him with some lighting on beak.