HOW TO PAINT GORGEOUS BIRD STUDIES IN WATERCOLOR
I love to hear the bird song just outside my studio window. We have a Song Thrush family we have encouraged to nest nearby. The mother often flies in and does a swoop around my studio to let me know she and her family are ready for another sirloin mince/wheat germ and egg patty. :0)
Richard creates these tasty patties and I am sure they have made such a big difference to the numbers of these gentle creatures we now see in our garden

Are they over indulged? Maybe – but each year we have two – three broods of these gentle, friendly little friends who seem to thrive so well even when their natural food source is in short supply. I wonder why? One little gregarious chick has found it’s way into one of my paintings. I thought the title of this watercolor was very appropriate as this little one waits expectantly for tasty ‘meals on wings’ morsels :
“Waiting for Mum”!
By Susan Harrison-Tustain – Artist
Watercolor on Arches Hot Pressed 140lb paper
Hints on HOW TO PAINT BEAUTIFUL BIRD PAINTINGS:
I used my Priming Method for the under-washes. Then moved on to Wet in wet painting method and finally completed the finer details with dry-brush method.
The gentleness of this little creature is captured within the soft fledgling feathers. Watch the magic happen at the very end of your painting – once all has become bone dry. Take a barely damp brush and gently brush over the surface of the feathers. This will create a beautiful soft, fluffiness that is so appealing in young birds.
Happy Painting!
Susan
Susan Harrison-Tustain
Instructional Art DVD’s and Video Downloads
Click on any of the DVD images below to find more in-depth information on the contents of each of the DVDs and Video Downloads.
-
DVD: Watercolor Masterclass Volume One: “Painting Life-Like Leaves and Vibrant Greens” – for all skill levels
US$54.50 -
One-on-One Watercolor Workshops with Susan Harrison-Tustain – for all skill levels
US$54.50 -
Painting Watercolor My Way with Susan Harrison-Tustain – for all skill levels
US$54.50 -
Watercolor Portrait Workshop with Susan Harrison-Tustain – for all skill levels
US$54.50