I have some options here that needed to be explored for the sake of curiosity and to cross out directions. I wont be posting options like this again but at this stage of the thesis, the widdling down called for it. This will end up replacing the first bird from First Station. Actually, its not that it replaced it but evolved from it. This needed that to come about.
Option 1 - Simple gradients with a mesh highlight. I put it into its repeat and it held up. This is the first pick and will definitely move forward.
Option 2 - Like the flat color and the values. Good possibility and will move forward to the geometric stage as a second option.
Option 3 - Not really liking this even though I spent a lot of paper on it getting it to where I thought I wanted it. It stops here.
Option 4 - I like it but its not the flavor Im looking for. Also stops here.
.....looking forward to IF and to paint in the Moleskine.