Watercolour Oriole an exercise in underpainting

Learn to paint a breathtaking oriole watercolor painting! This comprehensive watercolor class unveils the secrets to creating luminous, layered artwork using color underpainting with wet-on-wet watercolor washes. Discover how to achieve vibrant blends and glowing undertones, avoiding flat, muddy colors.

This watercolor painting tutorial is perfect for artists of all levels, from complete watercolor beginners to experienced painters looking to elevate their techniques. You'll master a powerful method for painting birds, wildlife, and any subject requiring depth and vibrancy.

In this watercolor bird painting class, you will:

• Create a color underpainting: Establish mood and depth from the very first wash.
• Master wet-on-wet technique: Utilize pigment instead of clear water for richer, more vibrant blends.
• Build smooth color transitions: Achieve seamless gradations without sacrificing luminosity.
• Gain wash control: Precisely add pigment with a tiny detail brush (000) while washes are still wet.

Why choose this watercolor class?

This class expands your artistic toolkit with a versatile technique applicable to birds, botanicals, landscapes, and more. Say goodbye to muddy washes and hello to vibrant, luminous results! By painting along, you'll finish a stunning oriole painting and gain the confidence to apply these methods to your own artwork.

As your instructor, I provide:

• Step-by-step guidance
• A tracing sketch of the oriole
• A reference photo
• My finished painting for comparison

Who is this class for?

• Watercolor beginners: Learn a clear, step-by-step process for wet-on-wet watercolor painting.
• Intermediate & advanced watercolor artists: Discover new ways to control washes and build luminous underpaintings.
• Anyone passionate about painting birds, wildlife, or nature in watercolor and wants to achieve vibrant, glowing colors.

Materials & Resources:

• Watercolor paper: 140 lb / 300 gsm or heavier
• Brushes: Medium round, small round, and tiny detail brush (000)
• Watercolors: Daniel Smith paints (Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red, Quinacridone Magenta, Quinacridone Gold, Payne’s Grey, Indigo – substitutions welcome)
• Included Resources: Sketch of the oriole, reference photo, finished painting.

By the end of this class, you'll have a beautiful oriole watercolor painting and the skills to create more luminous, vibrant, and controlled watercolor art. Unlock the potential of wet-on-wet underpainting to make your colors truly shine, whether you're painting birds, botanicals, or abstract washes.