How To Paint EASY Watercolor Birds
In this blog post, I’m going to share 10 simple tips for painting realistic and easy watercolor birds. Before I dive into these tips, I’d like to quickly share a new watercolor class that is available - my Watercolor Birds class! I have a special coupon code below for 25% off this class, just for you! And it’s only available for the first 100 artists who sign up. https://allisonlyonart.live/birdclass-YT25off
Watch the video for more details!
Draw an outline before starting to paint. This will make painting a lot easier for more fun for you.
a. Draw right onto your paper with a light pencil
b. Draw onto a plain sheet of paper (or Procreate) and transfer onto your watercolor paper with graphite transfer paper or a light pad. When using a light pad you can use watercolor pencils or a light pencil.
Start with the bird’s eyes and then move onto the rest of the face (beak, around eyes, etc).
Paint the colored areas (areas that aren’t gray or black) of the bird first. Paint the dark, gray, or black areas last.
Start the first layer as light as possible and don’t fill in every single area with paint, keep some white of your paper exposed.
Paint more than one layer on your birds, build up the color and values (darks and lights).
a. For example: First layer is the lightest, second layer a little darker (but don’t paint over all the light areas - keep some light areas unpainted as these will be the highlights of the bird), and third layer the darkest areas and final details.
Always paint the bird’s feathers in the direction you see them grow. Follow the contour of the bird.
Don’t paint every single feather you see in the wings and tail. Keep it simple, simple is best and looks better.
You don’t have to have your whole bird detailed! I like to have my birds’ faces be the most detailed because that’s the focal point. And then the wings. For other areas I usually don’t add as much detail (like the feet, chest, etc).
Reserve the last layer for details.
a. I add a lot of detail around the eyes as this is the focal point.
b. I like to add highlights in the eyes, beak, and some feathers with white gouache.
c. Add single small brushstrokes of feathers/fur in some areas, not everywhere.
Even though you paint your bird in a realistic way, it doesn’t have to be super photo realistic!
a. Remember to have fun, your painting isn’t a photo. Add some fun abstract elements to your bird or background. Add colors you don’t see in your reference. Let the artist in you be free to do whatever he or she wants to do.
Comment below, which tip was the most helpful for you? I’d love to know!
And don’t forget to check out my new Watercolor Birds class! I have a special coupon code below for 25% off this class, just for you! And it’s only available for the first 100 artists who sign up. https://allisonlyonart.live/birdclass-YT25off
I also have a 10 Day Watercolor Bird Challenge you may be interested in too! I’ll link that down below along with all the supplies I mentioned in this blog post.
I hope you found this watercolor bird blog post helpful! I’ll see you in the next blog post, bye!
♡ SUPPLIES USED ♡
Shop All Supplies ► https://www.amazon.com/shop/allisonlyonart
Arteza Transfer Paper ► https://amzn.to/3fbFHOx
Light Pad ► https://amzn.to/31Er8Lm
Watercolor Pencils ►https://amzn.to/3f9eHyW
White Gouache ► https://amzn.to/3lHSCJi
♡♡♡ FREEBIES! ♡♡♡
Free Procreate Watercolor Brushes ► https://allisonlyonart.live/freeprocreatebrushesyt
Free How to Make Prints Guide ► https://allisonlyonart.live/howtomakeprintsyt
Free Artist Tips ► https://allisonlyonart.live/artisttips
Free Beginner Watercolor Class ► https://allisonlyonart.live/freewatercolorclass
Free Art Print ► https://allisonlyonart.live/freeprint
♡ SHOPS & WEBSITES ♡
Art Shop ► https://www.allisonlyonart.com/
Etsy ► https://www.etsy.com/shop/AllisonArtPrints
Online Classes for Artists ► https://allisonlyonart.live/onlineclassesyt
Artist Resources ► https://allisonlyonart.live/artist-resources
♡ FOLLOW ME ♡
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/allisonlyonart/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/allisonlyonart/
♡ CONTACT ♡
Share your art with me/questions ► hello@allisonlyonart.com
Business inquiries only ► business@allisonlyonart.com
♡ MUSIC ♡
Epidemic Sound ► https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/5427q7/
DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
