Maria Raczynska

Mastering the Realism of Painting Birds in Watercolor: Wet on Wet and Lifting

Amazing, Shingen. I have seen these on Instagram, and every time you posted a new bird, I was so proud of you It doesn't matter which bird because every single one has the smoothest and softest feathers (the monochrome bird is like a cotton ball, so soft). I love the smallest details, like their eyes and beaks. You even nailed it with their toes, and I know that was an issue beforeIn the nuthatch, you show great control over the color application and how well you recreate white feathers. Well done working with the primary colors.You also know the right time to lift the colors. Fantastic work, Shingen‍♀

I’m curious if you have experience with colour pencils? Watercolour is the only medium I’ve ever tried.

Not really. I did a few watercolor pencil classes and maybe half of a tutorial on normal color pencils. I think they are amazing for animals but pencils don't resonate with me, I find them very tiring and boring.

I am in awe of your painting technique! Your birds look so soft and feathery. I look forward to seeing more and you’ve convinced me to take this class.

Thank you very much, Marlene!! I am happy that my paintings inspired you to taking this class :)! I have been a student of Maria's on her Patreon since last June and she uses this technique a lot, so I had this advantage ;)! Don't be discouraged if you need several goes, it does require some practice.

All of your birds are beautiful!!!! Your bluetit and monochrome robin are beautiful, serene, and enchanting.

Fantastic workShingen, I am so proud of you. Your layering shows how well you do with ‘wet on wet, how much you pay attention to the ratios between water and paint, and not to even mention your liftingI love the first robin and how colorful and complimentary the background is.The bird alone looks stunning, and then the background adds so much more to it.The nuthatch looks incredible too. I am lacking in words. This is so smooth, and the feathers look super soft. The eye looks so real. Your robin in monochrome looks so adorable, but the most important is how well you painted it. Your smooth brush strokes and being able to create these amazing layers just show what practice does. I have been watching you grow since you joined my classes on Patreon, and this is like another lever. Amazing work

I think you are painting these birds beautifully! I love them all and can't wait to see the rest!

Hi Margret, nice to see you here :)! Thanks a lot &lt;3! I am still practicing, the cardinal and bluetit are tricky ;)! I hope to have them ready till next week.

Yes, I can't pass up on Maria's birds, plus the free month is a  plus!

Wow ShiHaru, all are wonderful, but your monochrome robin is outstanding. So soft and real looking :)

Thank you, very much, Diana &lt;3!! I appreciate your kind words :)! I am still working on the rest of the birds. I find painting birds with watercolor very hard, to find a beautiful balance between realism, contrast and softness.

Work in progress :)...the challenge is missing :).
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial! It was very challenging to find the right balance between between softness, texture and personality of the bird but it made me grow as an artist like no other class &lt;3!
 
Nuthatch
<img srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/f424fd1b.png 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/f424fd1b.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/f424fd1b.png" loading="lazy" alt="Bird class - image 1 - student project">
Monochrome painting
<img srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/adc5ce79.png 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/adc5ce79.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/adc5ce79.png" loading="lazy" alt="Bird class - image 2 - student project">
Robin in color
<img srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/d944d9da.png 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/d944d9da.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/d944d9da.png" loading="lazy" alt="Bird class - image 3 - student project">
 
 Bluetit with background and some glazing and without background
<img srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/ac8f1ee8.png 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/ac8f1ee8.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/ac8f1ee8.png" loading="lazy" alt="Bird class - image 4 - student project">
 <img srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/31d74c76.png 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/31d74c76.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/31d74c76.png" loading="lazy" alt="Bird class - image 5 - student project">
Red Cardinal
<img srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/9c03ccae.png 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/9c03ccae.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/827312125aec2edbc920715109d87332/9c03ccae.png" loading="lazy" alt="Bird class - image 6 - student project">

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