Preparing my DU donation- 36"x 48" oil on canvas

Agreed to once again paint a piece for the Pete's Lake Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, to raise money for habitat, management and so forth.  Have donated my work since the early 80's to organizations like Ruffed Grouse Society, Whitetails Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and DU...one way I can help our natural resources by way of talent and a little time, a pause for the cause.

I originally painted this 36"x 48" at the Mill Pond locally a couple years ago, and having painted some teal on it this afternoon...I'll have to haul the large piece to the pond sometime this week to finish the setting to my liking.  Good oil copal medium will make sure this baby is dry in time.  I have to deliver it August first...

Here's the set up today...my truck tailgate.  You see my paint boxes, and a sketchbook propped up for references/referral...


















...my sketchbooks, some are quite gestural...but enough information.
Sorta like dictation...

Here then is the work after this afternoon, and I suppose unusual for work done plein air like this to then having a go back into it to add something like waterfowl...

I tried to keep the detail minimal, the ducks more painterly...to stay in character of the painting...

And a closer view of the ducks...greenwing teal...

So...now I'll have to wait and see what the weather will allow for me this week.  Heard rain tomorrow...