Watercolor Painting In-Person: The Pileated Woodpecker

*This is an in-person art class held at Bird Alliance of Oregon.

Join us for an in-person watercolor class with Ronna Fujisawa, an experienced watercolor painter, art educator, and bird enthusiast. This class is appropriate for intermediate and ambitious beginners.

Every now and then, the brilliant red head of the Pileated Woodpecker will come into sight in the midst of the forest. Whacking at dead trees and fallen logs in search of insects, it’s hard to miss this gem of a bird. Let’s celebrate these large, enthusiastic birds through the art of watercolor painting. View the supply list.

With a limited palette, we will engage in mixing various greens to complement the flaming red crest and bold black and white stripes. Students will learn how to use watercolors, mix neutral colors seen in nature, create luminous washes, and compose a painting highlighting this striking bird.

Students will paint the birds from photographs supplied by Ronna as she explains the step-by-step process she has mastered in painting birds. In this three-hour class, students will paint several studies and one final painting. At the end of each class, there will be time to critique everyone’s work and get supportive feedback from Ronna and other classmates.

Ronna strives to build an atmosphere of learning by encouraging students to take risks, showing support and encouragement, and working alongside the class to assist in understanding watercolor painting.

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