Hummingbird in Progress

Two stages of a new hummingbird watercolor, from the first washes to a little more color and character.

Hummingbird watercolor in progress with blue, turquoise, violet, and brown washes, a painted eye, and a long beak — A little further along, with more color and the eye and beak taking shape.

Early hummingbird watercolor washes and pencil outlines on paper taped to the studio table — The first washes, with much of the pencil drawing still visible.

This hummingbird is still taking shape on the work table. The first washes leave plenty of white paper between patches of turquoise, green, and warm brown.

As the painting develops, blue and violet join the softer colors. The eye and long beak give the bird a clearer presence, while the loose washes and unfinished spaces leave room for what comes next.

—Bryan Brouwer