Dark Rooster - Final

© Ellen Blonder

I've added grass details to the middle ground and details to the background. I knew this painting would take a while, and I'm happy to finally be done. 

Dark Rooster - 9

© Ellen Blonder

I like the ferns, but now I realize the sky is too dull and I don't like the background tree trunks. It's time to paint them out. 

Dark Rooster - 8

© Ellen Blonder

The Hawaiian morning glory on in the left foreground wasn't working, so I'm going to try ferns instead. 

Dark Rooster - 7

© Ellen Blonder

I'm back on the mainland, eager to add details to the blue jade vine. It's a complicated plant, but more so in the drawing than the painting. 

Dark Rooster - 6

© Ellen Blonder

It's time to work on the background plants. I'm sorry I will also be returning to the mainland before I can finish this.

Dark Rooster - 5

© Ellen Blonder

What was I thinking? Croton leaves have intricate color patterns that feel impossible to capture, and it feels like it's taking forever to paint.

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.