Well, Hello There Handsome

This magpie was hopping close to the edge of the water chasing away some ducks as they neared the bank. Once he looked down and saw himself, however, he forgot all about the ducks and started falling in love with himself. He couldn't seem to get enough of looking at himself and it had me chuckling all the way back to the studio - and had me laughing several times as I painted it. It remains one of my favorite paintings to date for two reasons: It really grew my skill as a painter because of the technical challenge of painting dried out grass thawing in early spring, and trying to capture the difference between crusty snow and the skiff of ice at the water's edge was super hard but very fun. That gives me great joy but also, every time I look at the piece I chuckle. And that makes it really special.