Your class project is to create your own vibrant Bird of Paradise watercolor painting!

Start by following along with my demonstration to get comfortable with the techniques. The wet-on-dry method we'll use is perfect for capturing the bold, geometric shapes of the Bird of Paradise flower. Don't worry if your lines aren't perfect – the beauty of this style lies in its loose, expressive nature.

Begin with a light sketch of your flower's basic shape (my sketch is available as a download), focusing on the distinctive beak-like spathe and the fan of leaves. Then, follow the color mixing demonstration to create your tropical palette. Work one section at a time, starting with the main flower structure and building outward to the foliage. Save the paint splatters for last; they'll add energy and movement to your piece.

Always test your colors and techniques on scrap paper first. This will help you get comfortable with the paint consistency and brush control needed for those bold, confident strokes.

I'd love to see your finished piece (or work in progress) in the project gallery! Tag me @livingpattern and use #livingpattern to be featured on my Instagram account.

Project Resources:

Reference: Bird of Paradise Sketch

Sam Winikoff

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