I absolutely loved this one because it was painted on top of another bird I had started that I just didn't like. When I sketched this guy on top - it felt like redemption. While I hated the underpainting, this one transformed into something I liked. It was taken based off a reference photos of taxidermy bird I captured at the Field Museum in Chicago while on fall break with my family 2022. A fun memory for sure. Art is spiritual - sometimes my favorite paintings are the ones with so many layers it provides a depth you just can't get in one layer alone - and sometimes some of the layers underneath feel dark but they add contrast later once the light shines through.