In this weekly class we have lots of fun chatting about birds while we create artwork about birds in a realistic style.  

Most of our lessons focus on a specific type of bird, however, sometimes we also study how to draw tree limbs, nests & eggs, and other things in their natural habitat.  (When studying backyard birds, we usually include lessons about drawing birdhouses, birdbaths & feeders, too.)  We'll also work on a variety of natural body positions for birds throughout our lessons.  


We create both drawings and paintings in this class.  When our final result is a drawing, we usually take only one class to create it.  However, when our goal is a painting, we split the lesson into 2 or 3 class sessions.  In the 1st part, we draw the bird while chatting about some interesting facts about the bird.  Then the following week(s), we bring our drawing back to class to paint.  We paint our background first and then move into painting the bird last, so it depends on the details of the bird whether we need 2 or 3 classes to complete it.   So although some of our lessons build on the previous lesson, we usually cover about 2 birds each month which makes it easy to jump into our class between birds.  

(Just send me a message when you get ready to join us and I'll let you know the best spot to jump in as we start a brand new lesson instead of joining us in the middle of our drawing/painting lesson.)


When painting, sometimes we'll work with watercolors and other times we'll use acrylic paints.  Check our classroom page each week to know a day in advance which supplies we will be using so you have time to gather those before your child signs into our class. 


Occasionally, our lessons take a few minutes longer than expected (depending on the pace of the students) but will generally last about 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes.  (Sometimes a student will need to leave class a little earlier than others, but I am usually able to stay a little past our class time if needed.)

No prior drawing or painting experience needed because I'll lead each child step-by-step through each project and still include options along the way, too.  Even though students enjoy talking about their birding experiences, it is not necessary to have seen any specific birds to be successful with these art lessons.  


Students will show us their drawings or paintings several times during and at the end of our class so we can celebrate and encourage each other's progress and success.  This also helps me watch for opportunities to give more guidance or tips throughout the lesson.  This is why it is also important for students to leave their cameras on during the class so that I can see their work and give them feedback often throughout our lesson. 


We study a wide variety of birds in this ongoing class.  Here's the basic plan for Jan 30-Feb 27 to give you an idea of our pace.  Occasionally a 2 Part Lesson turns into 3 class sessions, but I make that decision as we draw and paint together to see what the students need.  

WINTER 2024:  (Arctic Birds)
Week 1, Tues Jan 30:  Long-tailed Skua (Drawing)
Week 2, Tues Feb 6:  Great Northern Diver Part 1 (Drawing Plus 1 Layer of Paint)
Week 3, Tues Feb 13:  Great Northern Diver Part 2 (Painting)
Week 4, Mon Feb 19:  Red Phalarope Part 1 (Drawing)
Week 5, Tues Feb 27:  Red Phalarope Part 2 (Painting)

Usually in other seasons we study Birds of the Rainforest, Backyard Birds, Waterfowl, Seabirds & Shorebirds.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT ANY SCHEDULING CONFLICTS.  WHENEVER POSSIBLE, LET'S BE SURE TO LET EACH OTHER KNOW AT LEAST 5-7 DAYS IN ADVANCE IF EITHER OF US CANNOT MEET AT OUR SCHEDULED TIME. (Sometimes we are able to schedule a different class time or day to meet for class with enough advance notice.)