Painting a little bird

I decided to paint a little bird and play around with the background. I have a few in progress photos to show you how it all came together.

Hope you are having a lovely day. 💚

I started with half a sheet of a 9 x 12 inch watercolor paper. I taped off a small border and then I outlined the shape of my bird using a pencil.

The background was first:
I wet the paper around the bird using clean water. This lively watercolor background quickly took shape as I dropped in green gold, sap green, and prussian blue on the wet paper. I used mostly lighter colors in the top area and darker colors below the bird. For some additional interest, I dragged the edge of a credit card through the wet paint in random places and it created some nice markings.

Painting the bird was next:
After the background was dry, I wet the bird with clean water. Then I painted an initial layer of color.

I had to lift off a little bit of the green that had covered the bird’s beak area when I painted the background. These things happen so I just went with it and made an adjustment. It was an easy fix. If the green wouldn’t have lifted off so easily, I would have just gone with a darker beak instead.

The next layer of paint adds more definition. I added some feathers to the body and tail and then started working on the eye and beak. Placement of the eye is very important so I took my time with it.

At this point, the bird was starting to look pretty good.

Tip:
When painting the feathers, be sure to paint them in the same direction as they would be on the bird. To soften any hard edges, you can use a damp brush with clean water.

Sweet little bird

Finally it was time for a little more color and detail. I noticed that my bird was just floating without a branch (oh my)… so that was a last minute fix. 😊

I hope you are inspired to create art and do more of what you love. Until next time, share a smile and shine on!

🌸 Patty Anne 🌸

To see more of my work, follow me on Instagram at pattyanneart

Visit my shop on Society6

Sketching and painting birds

I’ve been wanting to learn more about painting with gouache. After watching a Skillshare class by Kate Cooke, I was inspired to paint this little bird.

I decided to practice a little watercolor version first. Once I get better acquainted with gouache I’ll be sure to share my adventures with you.

Happy Sunday, friends! 💚

watercolor bird painting

I just love how this little guy turned out. Oh those sweet little legs.

Which then inspired more birds…so here we go!

bird sketching practice

A few quick sketches working on shapes and not worrying about detail.

It’s always good to warm up and play. I really need to do more of this. Just fill the page and have fun.

watercolor bird sketch

Tip: A little planning and sketching before any paint hits the paper is really important. By sketching first I can make sure the shapes are as desired and that all elements fit nicely on the page.

Chickadee practice and color mixing

This little guy was painted in a separate sketchbook to get ready for my larger painting above. I mixed up a variety of neutral colors and tested them out on my paper.

I hope you are inspired to create art and do more of what you love. Art is for everyone. Just play and have fun…be good to yourself.

Until next time, share a smile and stay excellent!

🌸 Patty Anne 🌸

You can see more of my work on Instagram @pattyanneart

Playing with Watercolor and Collage

I’ve been playing with watercolor and ink cutouts lately. Today I have a cheerful collage that I put together using my cutouts.

Happy Sunday, friends! 💚

I painted some shapes on mixed media paper and let them dry. Later I outlined the shapes with ink and then cut them out.

up close view of my sweet little collage bird

I used an old watercolor painting to cut out some additional shapes for my bird.

A round head, oval body, and small wing. It turned out pretty cute.

punching out paper flower shapes

I’m so in love with these little flowers shapes and the designs left behind on the paper after using my new punches. 🌼

My cute little bird surrounded by joyful flowers and leaves.

After playing with the pieces a while, I was inspired to start putting the collage together.

The butterflies were put together using some scraps from my bird. I needed something at the top of the piece and the flowers and butterflies filled in that area nicely.

I hope you are inspired to create art and do more of what you love.

Until next time, share a smile and shine on!

🌸 Patty Anne 🌸

Quiet Thursday – sketching

A quiet post for you today with a few pieces from my sketchbook.

Happy Thursday! 😊

Waterlily sketch – using a technical pencil

 

Queen Anne’s Lace ink sketch – using Micron pens

 

Cardinal ink sketch – using Micron pens

I hope you are inspired to create art and do more of what you love.

Until next time, share a smile and shine on!

Patty Anne 💙

follow me on Instagram @pattyanneart

Patty Anne Art