Sketch in 4 values, fantasy birds

"Conversation" mixed media, 5x7, fantasy, birds

I need good values to stay out of trouble. If I make a value sketch beforehand, I'm much more likely to come up with a decent painting. Otherwise I get confused and waste a lot of paint. Now, I'm not promising a finished painting later on from this sketch. My batting average is not perfect. But I stand a much better chance of success if I make a value sketch first. 

This value sketch is in response to Daily Paintworks value challenge. Paint something from life, using 4 values. This has white, mid-light, mid, and mid-dark. Is it from life? Depends on where you live.