This subject was used for a step-by-step paint a long with my Thursday night adult students.  We started out with drawing the shapes in with charcoal.  Darkest colors were painted in first with a flat brush. We used a limited palette to make the main focus the shape of the birds.  Students were encouraged to work with large brushes until final details were refined (the legs and redefining the shape of each bird).  A dry brush technique was used to complete the water and reflections during the next class.  We completed this 16 X 20 inch painting in two three-hour classes.  This was a fun subject to paint and using the limited palette made it easier to complete.