An overview of the course and information about supplies and materials. In this section you will find the reference image, a contour line drawing of the subject and information about the color palette I used for this painting.

In this initial lesson of the course we will complete a value study of the subject. We will identify the light, medium and darkest values of the subject and create a single pigment painting of the subject. This is an important first step to any watercolor painting.

The first wash of the painting establishes the undertones of color that will shine through subsequent layers of pigment.

In this step we will add the dark abstract background. The dark neutral colors of this background area make the bright colors of the bird pop off the paper!

Now we will add the medium and dark value areas of the bird. We will emphasize the brilliant teal blue and warm raw sienna areas of the bird.

In this final step we will add the final details. An opaque white gouache paint is used to emphasize the highlights. A dark mixture of blue and lilac create the dark details. This is where it all comes together.

An important part of the learning process is receiving feedback and constructive critique of your work.

If you would like to receive feedback from Kris and the other members of this course, please take a picture of your finished painting and share it in the comment section below.