Fantastic Feathers

In this painting workshop we will focus on the incredible beauty of bird plumage. We might derive inspiration from the iridescence of a peacock’s tail, the sleek wing feather of a hawk, or the down that keeps an owlet warm. Demos will present techniques for illustrating softness, sleekness, lightness, volume and pattern in your artwork. Using both 2D and 3D references, we’ll explore realism as well as gestural representation. Watercolor, acrylic or gouache paints are all wonderful media options. Depending on the size of your work, you will have time to create multiple feathers.

Zebith Thalden shares her passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors as a nature illustrator, environmental educator and author. Her own artwork presents hyper-realistic representations of insects, botanicals, amphibians and other living treasures. Her pieces have been featured in solo and group exhibitions in galleries, cultural centers, and art museums throughout the United States and abroad. She received a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from Goddard College. Through her instruction, creative work and interdisciplinary collaborations she hopes to inspire a deep engagement with the natural world, ecological stewardship and connection through shared wonderment.

• Set of paints (acrylic, watercolor, or gouache)- must include: red, yellow, blue, green, black, white, and brown.

• Paint brushes- If you have them already, bring an assortment. If purchasing, consider artist quality synthetic watercolor brushes, at least two, either round or filbert in shape, of various sizes. One should be a small brush for detail work. A fan brush could be fun.

• Water container (or use one of ours)

• Mixing tray- I love New Wave Easy Lift Palette for acrylics and sectioned containers for watercolors or gauche

• Drawing pencil- HB or slightly harder

• Paper- hot-pressed 140lb watercolor paper is ideal (Arches is a nice brand)

• Artist Tape- white, around 1" wide

Optional items:

• Feathers (please contain in clear sealed bag)

• Drawing board- masonite or other hard surface that tape will adhere to

• Eraser (I adore Epure Maped vinyl erasers)

• Clean rag

• Acrylic retarder

• Mist sprayer

• Frisket / masking fluid (and small/inexpensive paintbrush for this purpose only)

• Set of colored pencils (Prismacolor or other wax based)

Feathers, feather images, table easels, standing easels, mechanical pencil sharpener, & paper cutter