Painting birds can be one of the simplest tasks when it comes to watercolor painting, but has its own complication as well. It has small details on the feather, not to mention how to make defined face for the birds. Here is a little guide on how to paint two birds in a frame. Evena novice will be able to follow the steps.
- Painting the Background
First, apply the masking fluid on the entire body for details later. Then, we need to separate the birds from the background. The backgrounds will be blurred this time. Use Burnt Sienna for the background and do it like a wash. Then, enrich the background with green patches damp drop for some greenery.
- Painting the Foreground
Using the same wash technique, paint the foreground. As we get closer to the birds, we need more details for the foreground. Add darker color for the ground. It makes sure the birds look like they are on the ground while viewer’s eyes will be directed to the birds.
- Painting the Bird’s Head
The bird’s head is going to be the main attention of this painting. Use a small round brush that has flexible tip to paint. Use Vindian and Ultramarine Blue as well as other bright colors for the head. Block the colors and then blend them.
- Painting the Body
Block the body with dark color first to create a form illusion on it. Then, start to block down the body in the same tone range for softer finish. If you make it darker, give it a light touch with a tissue. It will soften it up. Here is when you see how the marking fluids take on effect. Put layer on the marking fluids to remove it and add the 3D effects on some part of the body.
- Painting the Tail
Use Yellow Ochre for the blocking color. For more details, enrich the tail with some shadows and separations for the feathers. Naturally, feather separations tend to look like “v” so paint it that way too. In this phase, paint the female bird on the back with the same manner but with less details and subdued colors.
- Painting the Grass
We need to remove the marking fluids by applying thin layer of background color over it. Make it as light as possible to still gain the effect.
- Painting the Shadow
Painting the shadow is crucial as dark colors get lighten up over time. You need to paint the darkest under the body and it should spread around the area for finishing.
