This is the very first stage of a new oil painting depicting a group of puffins coming in to land. I have washed the board with burnt sienna to provide a colour contrast to what will ultimately be blue sky. This will enhance the colour value of the blue, as tiny specks of the red/brown ground will show through in the finished piece. I have started roughing in the shapes of the birds to establish their placement, positions and a general overview of the composition. This is done with thin, diluted oil paint - I never draw with a pencil or charcoal; oil paint is easier to wipe off to correct mistakes. Picture size; 28" x 37". .