1. After the outline the first job is to put in some of the lightest lights and the darkest darks, starting with the starling. Because the kettle is so dark, I leave that till later.

2. I'm then putting in more of that lighter background at the top as this shouldn't get smudged or dirty when I am working on the image below.

3. More layers defining the starling's feathers

4. More background to the left ( I am right handed) and early blocking in of the kettle.

5. Now giving the kettle something to sit on and remembering the lighting and shadow.

6. Some final details and it is signed off!