This fantasy study was my first attempt at using the 'Sgraffitto' technique, in which I scrape away at a thin layer of paint to reveal a contrasting under-colour. I was so impressed with the way it turned out, that I decided to finish the picture! At the time, I was beginning to think about the picture that would eventually become 'The Whisperer' but it was too early to have a girl atop the horse (or even a white Rabbit!) so I chose a fantastical bird of my own invention. He's obviously an important passsenger - hence the care taken to transport him - or is it all about the jewel in his beak?