Absolutely beautiful! I really love the depth you've added to the piece- and by adding in the birds, there's another, somehow darker element to this gorgeous scene that I love. It's a lovely mixture of warm and cool- with those wonderful blues and golds.

I know exactly what you mean about the time just spent looking- learning the piece and what it needs. I never know how long I've spent working on a portrait!

Congratulations on your Curie by the way - so well deserved.
E x