4279 - Nature Art: Your Backyard Songbirds in Multimedia

Delivery Options Classroom - In Person

Course Description

IN PERSON: In this guided, hands-on course, students will create a detailed songbird artwork using several complementary media. The instructor will demonstrate how to paint a soft watercolor background inspired by natural settings, then guide students in drawing a backyard songbird with graphite pencil. Colored pencils will be used to build layers of color and detail in the bird’s feathers. Along the way, students will learn basic techniques for blending, shading, and combining media. This course is suitable for beginners and those with drawing experience. | Active Skill Learning.

Max enrollment: 12.

Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705

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4279 - 001

Fall 2026

Classroom - In Person

Available

Nature Art: Your Backyard Songbirds in Multimedia

Classroom - In Person

11:00AM to 1:00PM

Sep 17, 2026 to Nov 19, 2026

Schedule and Location

View Details

20.0

Durham - Judea Reform Congregation

Classroom - In Person

Tuition non-credit

$155.00

Section Notes

Materials list for graphite and colored pencils and watercolor:

Bring your favorite detailed bird photos (an assortment will be available for use if you don't have one)

Graphite pencils 2H, 2B, 6B (or what you have within this range)

Tortillion or blending stump

Good-quality colored pencils in an assortment of hues (at least basic package of 12). I will be using Prismacolor for demos.

Colorless blender pencil

Erasers: white plastic (I prefer the pencil style), kneaded eraser

Pencil sharpener, either hand, electric or battery-operated

Transfer paper, either homemade or commercial (non-wax) if you have it. It is easy to make your own.

Tracing paper

Blue sticky tack

Masking fluid, also called frisket (if you have it already) and the brush dedicated to it

hot press 140# 9” x 12” watercolor paper, block or tablet

Plain white copy paper

High-grade watercolor pigments. I will be using Winsor Newton Cobalt or French ultramarine blue, Winsor Newton Blue green shade, Winsor Scarlet Red, Permanent Rose, Winsor Yellow Deep and Lemon Yellow, but you can use what you have.

Palette or white ceramic plate to mix paints on and shallow container such as plastic produce tray for washes

Brushes: round 8 or close number; a hake brush if you have one (I have several you can use if you don’t)

Water Container, at least pint container

Paper Towel (Viva is best) or absorbent, non-textured cloth

Removable tape (blue 1 ½ to 2”tape used to secure paper to backing)

Surface backing (Plexiglas, Gatorboard, or sketch board)