Pretty stellar, methinks. The only thin I'd do differently is not draw the individual wing feathers in black. If you can digitally change the lines in that spot to light blue, see how it looks.

Thanks for the comment and the input. Any observation is greatly appreciated.

Some subtle wing changes have been made. Thanks for the input as always. I like this version better, it's less raw. Of course you'll have to hit Ctrl F5 to reload the new image. The MrMinos should be on the right-hand side for the update bird.

Kick ass job on the coloring, it's hard to tell that this was done in digital. Looks like it was done on a actual canvas with oils or pastels. The way that you did the texturing on the torso of the bird, makes it look like the feathers there are very small and fine.

*hugs a gator* Thanks so much for saying so. Twisted brush, which is the software I use, has got tons of options. It took a while for me to accomplish the feather texturing, I didn't get exactly what I wanted, but still the effect is there. I'm learning every time I sit down with a project like this. I was a little intimidated by the bird at first.

He's done mostly in smooth oils on a fine canvas, with a little gel pen thrown in here and there.

Concur, bird looks great!

Thanks so much Mootraccoon! I always look forward to a comment from you. I'm pleased the bird is well received.

aww cute nicely done ^^ looks almost like the real thing

*hugs ya* Thank you for the nice words raptorness. I was aiming for a very realistic work, he's not perfect...but maybe next time. Stellars are quite cute looking. I wanted to do them justice.

Oooh, cuteness.

*wing hugs his pretty, pretty toy.* "Thanks Expy. I'm glad you like my little birdy. He's tweet."

WOW! VERY detailed! Excellent job, as always!!

*blushes* Thanks so much for saying that. You're too nice.

wow i dont know what to say! amazing work!.

Thank you, pretty gatorsnake. I was kinda pleased how the little bird came together too. I look at it and think: Whoa, did I do that?

Your work is becoming pretty awesome too.

Very nice! It brings back fond memories.

I remember my first meeting with these birds, in one or another of the California national parks. I spent an interesting afternoon with my camera (25 speed film) at one end of the picnic table, placing sweet cherries at the other end and trying to get a photo before the bird could get the cherry and get away. I was shooting from a tripod, so the picture was steady. Except for the bird, of course, who generally ended up as some very artistic dark blue SWOOP across the frame.

They don't know from ASA 25-speed Kodachrome these days. :D

Obviously, the photo you used for this wasn't one of mine.

It is charming to hear this description of your encounters with the stellar. I wish that I could have a similar story, but alas there are none around here that I've ever seen. They sound like truly amazing birds and yours is not the first story of "encounters" that has been related to me. A most excellent subject matter that I've chosen and probably quite feisty. They seem to evoke memories and that is a good thing :}

You're quite right about film speed and this bird. I'll note you the link for the photo that I used, you'll see that I didn't quite do justice to the image, something frozen in time to a degree that was unknown years ago.

Thanks so much for the comment and the memory too.

Really pretty painting. ^v^

Thanks dearest gull. I was rather pleased with it myself. I think that stellars are very lovely birds and I'm pleased I captured that look just a little. *wing hugs*

Very, very nice. You really are coming along in leaps and bounds. The coloring on this is what I like the best - you did the lovely subtle shading from one hue to the next and lightening where the highlights are very well indeed. And Stellar's Jays are neat little birds, I concur. :) Good job.

*hugs* Thanks so much for saying so. This is actually one of my most favorite and I feel more accomplished works, though it can be better. This bird was a joy to play with and to color. Kind of an evolution for me really. There's more to come. :)

My gratitude for your kind words.