Why take this class: In this class, we’ll paint a vibrant pheasant in watercolour, full of rich autumn colour, flowing tail feathers and expressive detail.

This project is perfect if you’d like to build confidence with layering, tonal values and feather texture — while still keeping a fresh, loose watercolour feel.

We’ll explore both wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques to create soft blends in the head and body, then gradually build depth using tonal contrast and glazing. You’ll learn how to suggest detailed feather markings without overworking your painting, and how to use colour to create a rounded 3D effect.

To finish, we’ll paint a loose, abstract foreground that complements the subject and keeps the composition lively and balanced.

✨ Key Techniques

Wet-on-wet blending for soft colour transitions
Wet-on-dry for controlled detail
Using tonal values to create a rounded 3D form
Layering to build richness and depth
Painting expressive feather markings without overworking
Glazing to intensify colour
Creating a loose, abstract foreground for balance and movement

You're going to love creating this colourful and flambouyant Pheasant. This watercolour painting course is packed with exciting ideas and techniques. I will show you exactly how to paint this stunning bird from start to finish - you’ll get a real glimpse of what goes into my painting as you work alongside of me up-close and personal. I will remove the mystery of watercolour and show you how to discover new ways to unleash your creativity as you join me on this inspirational journey of start-to-finish demonstrations and techniques. As the video unfolds, you will see how colours work together, how to step into impressionism and push colour to capture the mood and essence of your subject. This class will inspire you to use watercolour in a range of different ways. Best of all, you’ll gain a real sense of accomplishment by creating your own beautiful, colourful Pheasant painting.

Is this class for me? Absolutely, 100% yes! All are welcome. If you are a complete beginner, then this course is for you. There are also techniques and ideas for those who already have some experience but want to loosen up a bit, become more expressive, and enhance their watercolour skills. You don't need to know how to draw, as I provide a template of the drawing for you to download and trace - so you can just concentrate on the fun of painting.

What will we explore? This course is packed with:

* Start-to-finish demonstrations so you can see first-hand how to build up the painting every step of the way I have verbally explained the entire process in a friendly and easy-to-understand manner.

* Step-by-step guidance and best practice for a range of creative watercolour techniques - I'll be guiding you gently through the whole thing (eg, simplify a subject, add shadows, wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, layering colour, glazing with colour, blending and softening, adding depth and contrast with tonal values, using masking fluid to preserve white paper, using brush strokes to add markings on feathers, to name but a few!)

* Some of my favourite studio tips and tricks for successful working practices and saving time (eg, add layers of colour to build up depth and tone, avoid washed out paintings)

* You will be ‘learning by 'doing' rather than by lecture (you can paint right alongside me, up close and personal)

What do I need? A selection of watercolour paints (at least one red, blue and yellow): a few watercolour brushes, paper, palette, water sprayer, paper towel, pencil, rubber, water pot - you'll probably already have some of these items in a cupboard somewhere.

Alright, let's do it! Come join me for a fun, creative class! Let's get going. Just follow the video boldly along, and you’ll soon have the knowledge and confidence to produce your very own gorgeous Pheasant painting that zings with colour and energy.

I can't wait to see what you create!

My Artwork: I’ve been teaching people how to paint with watercolour for many years - you can see more examples of my artwork on my website: http://www.carriemckenzieart.co.uk

Tímea Antal

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