(B124A) Two for Joy

My thanks to Bob Barton and Russ Bridges for the wonderful magpie reference photographs.

When I saw this mossy barn roof in the Lake District, I knew it would make a lovely background for a bird painting - and these two magpies fit the bill perfectly.

The Eurasian magpie (pica pica) is a highly intelligent member of the corvid family.  The glossy plumage has a metallic sheen over the black areas which catches the light beautifully.

The traditional rhyme "One for sorrow, two for joy" alludes to the myth that the number of magpies seen can predict the future.

This original artwork was made with Faber Castell watercolour pencils and Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils on Clairefontaine Pastelmat paper.

Image measures approximately 14.5" x 11.5".

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