GLORIOUS GOLDFINCH. A Masterclass in Painting Loose Watercolour Birds

Discover the joy of painting a beautiful European Goldfinch with watercolor! This class is perfect for nature lovers and watercolor enthusiasts alike. Learn to capture the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of this delightful bird, a common and welcome sight at bird feeders across Europe and Asia.

This workshop blends loose, flowy watercolor washes with precise brushwork to create a stunningly realistic yet expressive painting. You'll master easy-to-control wet-in-wet techniques and learn to improvise a playful background that complements your subject. We'll focus on preserving the Goldfinch's bright, striking colors while maintaining excellent texture and form. Expect to use large brushes and bold strokes, concentrating on large shapes and their connections rather than getting bogged down in minor details. Embrace happy accidents – the unpredictable nature of watercolor is part of the fun!

By the end of this class, you will:

• Understand and apply wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry painting techniques.
• Create loose, flowing backgrounds that enhance your subjects.
• Learn to plan your watercolor layers for optimal results.
• Develop a bold and confident painting style.
• Complete a painting using a limited watercolor palette.

This class is ideal for anyone interested in wildlife art, pet portraits, nature journaling, or simply exploring a fresh, experimental approach to watercolor painting. It's a fantastic way to combine your love of the natural world with artistic expression and sharpen your observation skills.

Materials & Resources:

A line template of the Goldfinch painting is available in the resources section. Here's a list of materials used in the example painting, but feel free to substitute with similar materials you have on hand:

• Baohong Cold-Press Watercolor Paper, 300gsm, 100% Cotton, 11” x 14”
• Assortment of Artist-Grade Watercolors: Aureolin, Pyrrole Red, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Phthalo Blue, Lamp Black
• Round Brushes: Sizes 12, 8, 6, 3, 0
• Mop Brush: Size 2
• Pencil & Eraser
• 2 Jars of Water
• Kitchen Roll
• Small Spray Bottle
• Support to Tilt Drawing Board