Wetcanvas has a running monthly challenge in the oil pastel forum and one of the subjects for June was a Hummingbird. I couldn’t resist the little guy.
This 5×7 oil pastel was painted on an artist canvas board, quite cheap – but okay for today as this was only for the challenge and I wanted the practice. But, here is the problem with this little cheap board – a coat of clear gesso needs to be applied before layering oil pastels or the surface goes slick real quick. Then you’re constantly running after the paint, it bleeds and all sorts of bad things – forget fine details they aren’t going to happen. Let’s just say it was my last board and I didn’t take the time to clear gesso it – so I got what I paid for. I’m very happy to move onto my more reliable surfaces.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy ~
Hummingbird
Oil Pastels by Mary 
Beautiful – as always!
Thank you Dorann!
Not the species we have in Ohio, then again, there’s only one. 😉 … Well done … Upon closer review, an interesting background!
Thank you Frank – appreciate it! The background was fun to play around with.
I especially enjoyed the area above the head that wasn’t green … (touch of light red)
Beautiful Mary. You seem to have caught her looking up, aware of some danger from above and ready to launch herself to safety. But then, maybe that’s just a sense of drama residing in me. Really like it.
Ha, Don so funny – I like how you’ve read into the scene. Who knows, she has already flown off to find her new perch or sugar quench. Thank you!.
I’ve always been attracted to avian art, especially botanical prints. Your hummingbird is beautiful, Mary, and I love the colors.
Thank you very much Elisa – these little guys are natures’ gift. Glad you enjoyed the piece.
I love Hummingbirds and this little fellow is just wonderfully delightful! The soft background colors are really helping the bird to pop upfront that we can enjoy the neat subdued details of the feathers. Lovely painting Mary!
Thanks for your feedback Eva and for noticing what the soft background does for the hummingbird – great eye! I don’t normally paint birds because of the delicate details with their feathers and it’s hard to achieve with oil pastels, this is my third ~ thank you.
Nothing more beautiful than a special hummingbird lovingly painted by you.
Thanks Emily – happy to see you.
Great job, Mary! Thanks! 🙂
Thank you!
He’s so lovely, Mary and beautiful background! 🙂
Hi Marina, thank you so much this was a fun quick painting. I love soft background and it seems to fit the colorful hummingbird. Hope you are enjoying your Wednesday!