Female Cardinal and Rosebush Update

I was able to spend some time this week on the roses and now I'm starting to see the the finish line.

Female Cardinal and Rosebush Update

I'm working my way across the painting. Lots of adjusting color and value to go but I feel like I'm starting to get there.

Female Cardinal and Rosebush

This painting is a study of light and negative space. I saw this beautiful rose bush hanging in a dark corner of a garden that I frequently visit. It was lit in a theatrical way that screamed "look at me, look at me." I did look at it and with the familiar whistle of a cardinal in the backround I thought she'd really compliment the picture. I've lightly drawn the rest of the bush with a white charcoal pencil. I'll begin blocking that in today.