I’m shocked that we are already in June (and now I’m rolling my eyes at myself, because I feel like I say this every year!). I’m even more shocked that I have not completed a single photo-realistic wildlife piece this year. Shocked, but determined not to beat myself up about it!
2025 has been a year of massive change and growth. And that’s exactly what I asked for — my word of the year is “MOVE!”, after all. Almost halfway through the year, it's wonderful to realise that I have manifested growth and improvement. This growth and improvement have just kept me a little too busy to spend much time at my easel! Thankfully, I'm slowly finding my feet, and I’ve managed to make modest progress on a beautiful White-bellied Sunbird, captured (and shared with permission) by one of my favourite bird photographers, Richard Flack.
Most of the work that I’ve done on this piece is not visible here, but will go straight to the recycling bin: I practised on multiple off-cuts before starting the Real Deal! I feel like what makes this photo spectacular is the overall setting, not just the bird on a single branch. This is true of a lot of Richard’s work — he is the master of birds-in-their-natural-surrounds! I’d like to set the tone by adding quite a bit of shrubbery in the background and foreground of this piece. Not my forte… Thus, practice!
It has already been and is going to be a challenge for quite a few weeks to come, but I’m excited to jump back in after all this time.
Wish me luck!!!
PS. Even though I still have a long road ahead with this little birdie, I cannot help already dreaming about my next piece, too! Help me decide which owl to paint next, here.
PPS. Speaking of practice -- Here's one of my favourite expressions: Practice makes progress, not perfect!
