Hummingbird

My wife enjoys watching the Hummingbirds in our backyard when they come to our fountain.  I tried to use a wet paper in doing this painting, letting the colors run and bleed into each other (Sfumato technique).  I would like to develop my skill in this technique since it works so well with watercolor.  I used an ultra-fine felt pen for the beak and eye.

This was my first attempt, with which I was not happy.  My daughter, Caroline, who is an excellent artist, gave me some ideas on how to improve it.  I was using the technique within the subject, but not on the edges of the subject.  Also, the colors were too brilliant.  I softened the edges and muted the colors down a bit.  I think the top one looks much better.