The Vibrant Kingfisher
mini-course with Laura Jayne Smith
We'll learn to capture the intense brilliance of the kingfisher's plumage and its poised, majestic stance on a mossy branch. You'll discover how to balance precise anatomical drawing with loose, expressive techniques, using tools like salt and splatters to build rich, organic textures. The result is a vibrant, life-filled wildlife painting that perfectly captures the spirit of nature!
Material: watercolor
Duration: 3h20m
Access: unlimited
In this mini-course you'll learn to:
- Break down complex bird anatomy into simple forms for an accurate pencil sketch
- Work wet-into-wet to paint smooth color transitions and vibrant plumage without harsh edges
- Control water levels to create beautiful organic blooms and soft backgrounds
- Use different grain sizes of salt to create realistic textures of a gnarly tree branch
- Apply controlled and spontaneous splash techniques to add energy and movement to your artwork
5 minutes inside the course
Laura
Jayne SmithWildlife watercolour artist
I’ve been teaching for over 22 years as a qualified teacher and educator, running workshops and art retreats in the UK and abroad- I am a professional wildlife artist specialising in watercolour and charcoal
- I have been a finalist and shortlisted artist in national and international art competitions, selected in the Final 10 of the Sketch for Survival Artist of the Year
- I am a member of the Association of Animal Artists, Marwell International Wildlife Art Society and The Wildlife Art Society International
- I am an exhibiting artist with work shown in local and national exhibitions, including London
- I am a passionate supporter of wildlife conservation charities and endangered species
Artist's paintings
Course materials
1. Paper:
- Cold-pressed watercolor paper (preferably 300 gsm or more to handle water without stretching; Laura uses Saunders Waterford 600 gsm)
2. Paints & palette:
- Winsor & Newton Cotman range (or similar): Cadmium Yellow Hue, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Orange Hue, Cerulean Blue, Cobalt Blue Hue, Ultramarine, Turquoise, Indigo, Permanent Rose (Pink), Lamp Black (or any black)
- White gouache
3. Brushes:
- Round brush (size 10, 11 or 12 with a good sharp point)
- Rigger brush (size 1 or 2 for fine details)
4. Auxiliary tools:
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Palette for mixing
- Jar of clean water
- Tissue paper
- Chunky rock salt (different grain sizes for the branch texture)
- Old toothbrush (for splattering effects)
- White gel pen (for crisp highlights)
Pricing
Full access
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