Formation flying Painting

I've been inspired greatly by color-blending techniques to add a three-dimensional texture to an otherwise flat depiction of an object. In this watercolor, I chose an abstracted shape of a fantastical bird that builds the composition from the horizontal center line outwards. This larger shape of the bird is featuring a scintillating blend of blue and light green. Adding the smaller birds in blue-to-blue gradients and fitting them into the spaces behind the lead bird reminds me of the moment when I see migrating birds all flying together in beautiful patterns to reach their new seasonal destinations. Using watercolor on rough-surfaced archival paper adds another level of texture that makes the effect even more interesting.