I painted this group of fledging Great Blue Herons after my week long Green River Raft trip. We watched these young butt chests and otherwise jump around like playful siblings. I have seen birds dance but play?
In my oil painting I wanted to show their motion.
The photo is washed out (film cannot capture all the colors I paint with) but the cobble bar, painted with short repetitive brush strokes, give the motion I was seeking.

Balletto's Winery oil 11"x 14" (Demo canvases are offered at $200)

Balletto's Winery was a beautiful place to outdoor oil paint. I was doing a demo of an oak tree and at this stage the participants all asked me to STOP. They liked the image as is and so do I. But I was the last to know because I had my mind set on one intent. What I thought I was demoing and what got painted were two different things. its a good lesson to remember and trust your friends!