New on the easel

We started a new little painting today. These are Everglades Kite Snails. The only place they are found in the whole world is in the Everglades and they are an important food source for Kites (birds). They live in hollowed trees and are beautifully colored. I am so glad my friend goes to Florida and gives me photos to use for paintings. This piece is about 4x10 and even at that size the shells are many times larger than life-size. It is being done in pastel on velour board. This is just the beginning stages of the painting. Much more work to do.