Painted Grackle

Grackles have some nice coloration when caught in the sunlight and
when that light filters through some brightly colored surrounding foliage,
the contrast can be quite stunning.
This was DAP/Benson/some defocus mask/Impression+ palette/some ps revealing
and sandstone texture

Thanks for looking in and c/c and opportunity to share.
Image not a part of week's theme

original for above

Dave, I love the colors on the bird! And that you kept the eye nice and well defined. Leaves and background are very nicely rendered too! The only thing that bothers me a little is the bright leaf above the bird. It draws my eye away from the bird.

Dave, The first thing that strikes me is the fantastic color tones in the BG and leaves. The Grackle stands up well to them. I think toning down the one leaf as Patti suggested may not be a bad idea. This has a very nice textured BG. Nice depth in this one. Very well done.

Hi Dave,Nice job as usual! I definately agree about the upper hot leaf either being toned down or eliminated. The brighter leaf below the head could also be toned down a bit. Also I realise the right foot giving the appearance of coming out of the leaf was in the original it does give me pause when I look at it...

thanks all and very observant valid points. At first I thought the
lighter leaves were framing the subject, but now I see they may
be a bit bright, esp the one at top......need to work on it a bit as the
lighter tone is needed to balance the palette.

Thanks again, much appreciate the honest critique

Hi Dave,
I love this - very painterly and imaginative and the colours are stunning. Personally I do not find the bright spots particularly distracting.
Best,
Nicki

This is another standout composition, Dave. I love the way how this comes out in DAP with your approach of mask and other effect. Excellent work.

Dave, I like it just the way it is - the lighter leaf seems to me to be more the glow from the lighting around the
bird. I love your technique and the texture. Another beautiful image:)

Dave I like the leaf colors, and what you've done with this...only leaf that doen't fit (IMO), is the one in the top right...but lovely work none the less

Another beauty, Dave. I don't think the leaves need to be toned down too much. I do think they help frame the bird. Very pleasing composition and the texture is really nice.