In this class I will guide you through painting a charming blue tit in watercolour, focusing on the beautiful balance between softness and clarity. What makes this little bird such a rewarding subject is that it feels delicate and lively at the same time. The body is created with gentle, luminous washes, while the eye, beak and head markings provide just enough structure to make the bird feel alert and full of character.

We will keep the branch simple and understated, and allow the background to remain airy and abstract so the bird can take centre stage. Along the way, we will explore the lovely relationship between the blue and yellow plumage, using warm and cool colour shifts to create freshness, harmony and light.

This class is all about learning how small subjects can still carry a strong sense of presence. Rather than overworking the details, we will think of the bird as a set of beautifully simple shapes, supported by soft edges, a few carefully placed dark accents, and washes that suggest feathers fading into light.

In this class you will learn:

• A simple way to build the bird from clear, elegant shapes
• Techniques for painting soft feather edges without losing structure
• The role of warm and cool shifts in making plumage feel fresh and luminous
• Where a few crisp accents can bring the eye, beak and markings to life
• How an airy background wash can frame the subject without distracting from it
• Why keeping the branch understated helps the bird remain the focal point
• How to create a painting that feels delicate, lively and full of charm

This class is suitable for both beginners and more experienced painters who want to practise painting birds with a lighter, more expressive touch.

So grab your brushes and join me, and let us capture this little bird with freshness, colour and character.

Thank you so much for your interest in this class!

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Try this class to explore your creativity...

I’ve been painting for many years now, taken part in many exhibitions around the world and won awards from well respected organisations. As well as having my work feature in art magazines. After having success selling my originals and 1000s of prints around the world, I decided to start traveling with my brushes and paintings. My style is modern and attempts to grasp the essence of what I’m painting whilst allowing freedom and expression to come through. I simplify complicated subjects into easier shapes that encourages playfulness.

You'll Learn:

What materials and equipment to need to painting along
Basic technique to complete your first painting
How to avoid common mistakes
Choosing the right colours for your painting
How to blend colours and create textures for different effects
Making corrections and improvements
Finishing touches that make a big difference

When enrolled, I’ll include my complete ‘Watercolour Mixing Charts’. These are a huge aid for beginners and experts alike. They show what every colour on the palette looks like when mixed with each other. Indispensable when it comes to choosing which colour to mix.

Don’t forget to follow me on Skillshare. Click the “follow” button and you’ll be the first to know as soon as I launch a new course or have a big announcement to share with my students.

Additional Resources:

Here are the art supplies I recommend
Follow me on Instagram
Check out my website

Music by Audionautix.com

James Helling

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