Below are two quick studies using oil pastels. The macaw is from a photo taken by hubby at the local zoo. It is approx. 8 x 10 inches on gessoed matboard. The sunflower is from a photo in the site "Paint My Photo." It is approx. 8 x 12 inches also on gessoed matboard. I've been trying to do some quick studies to loosen up. It's working I think.
Macaw - oil pastels on matboard (approx. 8 x 10 inches)
Sunflower - oil pastels on matboard (approx. 8 x 12 inches)