Dark Rooster - 4

© Ellen Blonder

The next thing I want to work on is the yellow croton in the foreground.

Dark Rooster - 3

© Ellen Blonder

I'm working on the rooster first to anchor the painting. It's just too messy overall otherwise to see what's happening.

Dark Rooster - 2

© Ellen Blonder

I needed to add rough color all around to get a better idea of where I'm headed. There's some beautiful croton growing here, and I want to use it in the foreground. I think I'll use some Hawaiian morning glory around the rooster's feet. It grows abundantly along the coast.

Dark Rooster - 1

© Ellen Blonder

I keep seeing this dark-headed rooster on my walks on the bike path here in Kauai. He's a handsome guy, with no visible white feathers, and his red comb has a dusting of black. 

I have also been wanting to include blue jade vine in a painting for some time. It's a rare plant, with beautiful turquoise green flowers that make exquisite leis. Although I'm not sure what else to put on this painting, here's the first color I've added to this 16 x 20-inch canvas board.