A Jar of Nuthatches

 

A Jar of Nuthatches, 2022, Oil on Panel, 12"x24"

Usually a Nuthatch will be observed upside down on a tree trunk.  Sometimes one is even seen hanging upside down from a branch.  But as I wanted a Jar of them I opted to have them perching along a few branches posed in ways to show all aspects.  After much work I realized the composition was weak.  The 5 birds should have been placed lower in the frame.  So....one more bird in the lower left was added as well as more branches.  (see the previous video posting to see this progression)

A Jar, work in progress

Once again, I have begun a painting that doesn't work.  The first problem I spotted was the panel was too large.  Then, the birds were just too evenly spread.  And, although Nuthatches do hang upside down, that bird looked ridiculous with the other four. Finally, the ground was too insubstantial.  Take a look at the video to see where I am now with more adjustments needed.