I decided to give some serious consideration to the still life. I also decided I should be working on smaller formats. I am liking the results of my attempts. It seems to allow me a sense of "loose" that I felt has been lacking in my recent work using reference photos.
I did not want to overwork this. I hate those paintings that you work and rework and rework. This wonderful bird hangs out in my backyard in the winter. He has been standing on a piling most cold winter mornings for several years. I now look forward to his coming and spending a few months with me.