"Lift off" in time lapse

I don’t mean to toot my own horn... but TOOT-TOOT! I think “Lift Off” might just be one of the most technically best pieces I’ve ever painted (and a new personal favourite!!). This little Malachite Kingfisher, part of my 2025 Feathered Friends collection, was a delight and a challenge to bring to life.

As always, none of this would be possible without the grace and support of the photographer behind the reference photo: William Steel, thank you for allowing me to use your glorious work!

To share a bit of the magic behind the scenes, I’ve put together a time-lapse video showing the full journey - from a humble pencil sketch to the final watercolour flourish - all compressed into about 30 seconds. It never fails to amaze me how weeks of careful layering, tiny details, and quiet (sometimes not-so-quiet!) perseverance can be distilled into something that looks so effortless...

Enjoy!!!

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