Description
Blue Tit
Blue tits are one of the UK’s most popular garden birds. At around 11 cm from beak to tail they are small even by garden bird standards, but what they lack in size they make up for in character. The bright yellow underparts, blue cap, and white cheeks make them immediately recognisable, and Sheffield’s urban gardens support large populations year-round. They are one of the most frequent visitors to garden feeders across the city, often arriving in small groups and taking turns at the feeder.
Despite their cheerful appearance, blue tits are pugnacious birds. They will take on other species at feeders and defend territory aggressively, particularly during breeding season. It is part of what makes them entertaining to watch — there is a certain absurdity in something so small being so assertive. It’s been interesting recently to watch them feeding young in our garden; the fledglings are so well-covered in down that they can appear bigger than the adults.
About the Reference
This painting is based on a photograph by TheOtherKev, shared on Pixabay. I chose this particular image for the clarity of the plumage detail and the interesting upward facing pose.
The Painting Process
Working in my Sheffield home studio, I completed this piece in a single painting session using oils on a 6 × 6 inch Ampersand Gessobord panel. Blue tits have a lot of colour to work with on a small panel — the yellow, blue, black, and white plumage gives you plenty of options.
Original Artwork Details
This original oil painting is unframed. For advice on framing please refer to How to Frame a Painting on a Panel.
Specifications:
- Medium: Oil on gessobord panel
- Size: 6 × 6 inches (~ 15 × 15 cm)
- Depth: 0.3 cm (~ 1/8 inch)
- Unframed
- Year: 2025
- Signed on reverse
Shipping & Care
Your painting will be carefully packaged with protective materials and shipped via Royal Mail within 3-5 business days. The panel is robust and archival – oil paintings on panel have been proven to last for centuries when properly cared for. Display away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity for best longevity.
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