Western Scrub Jay in Autumn

I don’t often see Western (California) Scrub Jays where I live in Oregon.  They are more often seen a few miles inland in areas of oak woodland. I heard this lovely bird before I saw it but soon spotted that bright blue in the golds and oranges of the autumn foliage.  I chose to render this scene loosely to capture the feeling of the light, purposely avoiding too much busy detail with leaves and twigs.  I wanted this bird to have center stage.

This painting was juried into Expressions West 2023!