Duck Portrait In Watercolour | Heidi Willis

Australian born, Heidi Willis is an entirely self-taught Natural History watercolour artist, specialising in botanical illustration and bird painting. Her work intricately illustrates our native and exotic plants, flowers, fruits and seed capsules, whilst her powerful & distinctive portraits of our spectacular bird life offers viewers an insight into the world as she experiences it.

Back by popular demand, join us for a unique workshop where we explore the artistry of classic natural history painting. Through extensive demonstrations, step by step tuition and guided hands on learning, this workshop will explore the wonderful challenge of painting a stunning realistic duck portrait in watercolour.

About this workshop

This is a multi day painting workshop in a friendly learning environment, exploring this wonderful medium, craft and creative skill. 

In this workshop, we'll embark on a new creative journey creating a classic, beautifully styled duck portrait. Enhance your painting skills and ignite your passion for natural history art and bird painting.

Don’t be overwhelmed if you're new as Heidi works with people of all levels so just come along, and let her help you through the process and get you on track for your own creative journey.

What will I learn?

Expect a fun and engaging workshop that’s both serious about painting, and seriously fun, exploring such a wonderful subject. 

Heidi will guide you on every step of the way through the painting process, sharing valuable tips and techniques to help you get on the path to independent painting.

Techniques: Gain expertise in wash, glazing, and dry brushing techniques to create intricate details and refined work.

Subject Mastery: Learn to tackle the challenges of painting lifelike birds with confidence.

Creative Growth: Enhance your artistic abilities in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Enjoy the creative ambiance of Bienarté’s fantastic Brisbane studio. Don’t miss out on this chance to refine your craft and connect with fellow art enthusiasts with our shared loves.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for artists with any level of experience so come along and enjoy learning more about this wonderful art form and medium.

Bonus Opportunity: For those eager to extend their creative journey, consider joining me for a 5-day adventure in Brisbane by adding the adjoining 2-day Botanical Illustration In Watercolour Workshop to your schedule. It’s going to be an exciting and enriching experience!

What do I need to bring?

Students can supply their own paints, brushes, boards and paper or you can purchase in cash from Heidi on the day. Please pre order your kit in advance by emailing us at team@bienarte.com.au. You'll also need $1-$2 for the printed worksheets for the workshop.

Other Items to Bring:

• Pencil - 2B (PROGRESSO graphite stick, if possible)
• Mechanical pencil 0.5mm HB 
• White plastic eraser 
• Scotch 'magic' tape
• Small sketchpad, A4 Cartridge paper is fine, or just whatever you have.
• A Palette (KLIK Palette is recommended, Cavalier Art Supplies supplies stock these) Heidi uses 2 but 1 will be enough for a start.

Watercolours:

We wont know what specific colours we will need until the event, below is Heidi's complete kit and any are likely to be used. You can share Heidi's for the workshop for $55.

Heidi uses Artist quality Winsor & Newton tubes:

Winsor Violet                                    Perylene Maroon                         Permanent Rose 
Permanent Magenta                        Winsor Red                                  Indigo                      
French Ultramarine Blue                  Raw Sienna                                 Burnt Sienna                               
Olive Green                                       Permanent Sap Green                Cobalt Blue                                  
Cerulean Blue (Red shade - the lightest one possible)                      Cobalt Turquoise (Light) 
Green Gold                                       Winsor Lemon                              Windsor Yellow Deep 
Scarlet Lake                                     Neutral Tint

Brushes:

Brush sets available from Heidi on the day. Brushes range from approx $4 - 7.50 each. A standard class set of 4 is around $30, but
you can buy more if you need/wish.

• Taklon nylon brushes (sizes 3/0, 1, 3, 5 with GOOD points and a cover sleeve on them)

Paper and Boards:

Boards are available from Heidi for $10 each (allow for half to 1 board a day) 

Heidi will bring the stock/paper you will work on in the workshop. 

Masking Fluid and Pen:

Bring these if you already have them. Heidi will bring a few ruling pens to share with the group. 

• Masking Fluid (colourless) - Pop it into a Ziploc bag to save yourself any potential disasters!
• Ruling pen or ink nib pen

Bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by.

What else is provided

• Tea, coffee and biscuits (bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarte art community

Useful Information

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