Replying to @TheProfessionalMagpie absolutely I do. Black-billed magpie was one of the first birds I painted when I started this project. Yellow-billed is yet to come but stay tuned.
Painting birds, especially magpies, can be a deeply rewarding experience, blending observation with creativity. Black-billed magpies, with their striking black and white plumage and iridescent sheen, offer a perfect canvas for practicing shading and feather texture techniques. From my personal experience, capturing the shimmer on the wings requires patience and layering of colors to bring the bird to life on canvas. If you're starting your own project, I recommend studying the magpie’s behavioral traits and habitat as well; this helps infuse personality and authenticity into your art. Since the yellow-billed magpie is quite similar yet distinct with its unique bill coloration, it presents an exciting opportunity to explore subtle color variations and contrasts. Watching them in nature or through videos can inspire your brushstrokes and help you understand their posture and dynamics. Engaging with communities, such as birdwatcher groups or online art forums, can also provide valuable feedback and support. Whether you are painting for personal enjoyment or aiming to share your work on platforms like Lemon8 or Instagram, documenting your progress and sharing stories behind the subjects enriches the overall creative experience. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the yellow-billed magpie painting comes to life!