Playing tourist in Cottonwood, Arizona, I came across a local man allowing people to pose with his well-mannered macaws for $10. The money went to a local parrot rescue, so I counted it money well spent. Besides…it was fun holding the macaw!

This sketch is an easy way to practice your oil painting skills. There are minimal brush strokes, and you build the shapes from dark to light. I also give you a quick way to tone your canvas before starting, making it easy to judge the blue and yellow colors.