Young bird watchers who love to draw will learn how to create realistic drawings of their favourite birds in this ongoing class. I demonstrate useful coloured pencil drawing techniques with each bird of the week. The students will learn shading, line weighting, stippling, cross-hatch, tonal values and colour washing.

I use a second camera so that the students can observe my guided drawing up close. I start with a simple pencil sketch of our bird showing basic shapes. Then, we add details with a fine black marker. We choose a range of pencil crayon colours to create realistic feathers, beaks, claws and gestures.

I value the contributions of all my students, so I pause and chat about birds throughout the class. I strive to keep a relaxed pace for everyone. Learners will have the opportunity to share their drawings with the other students as we work if they choose to do so. I always celebrate the accomplishments of each artist with friendly encouragement and positive support.

Students are welcome to join any week that interests them or stay with us for every week to develop their drawing skills. Below is a list of the birds we will draw:

Week #1 (Sept. 16, 2024) Western Tanager
Week #2 (Sept. 23, 2024) Hummingbird
Week #3 (Sept. 30, 2024) Chickadee
Week #4 (Oct. 7, 2024) Cedar Waxwing
Week #5 (Oct. 14, 2024) Red-Tailed Hawk 
Week #6 (Oct. 21, 2024) Barn Owl
Week #7 (Oct. 28, 2024) Macaw
Week #8 (Nov. 3, 2024) Blue Jay
Week #9 (Nov. 10, 2024) Fairy Wren

More classes will follow soon.
I welcome your suggestions for birds of the week to draw!