Small Bird Illustration In Watercolour | Heidi Willis

Running solo or with another of Heidi's workshop options on her BRISBANE tour, explore the beautifully intricate world of small bird illustration in watercolour, Heidi's favourite! 

These wonderful subjects may be small in size, but they’re absolutely bursting with personality, colour, and exquisite detail, making them the perfect focus for this richly rewarding workshop. There’s so much to learn, explore, and enjoy. Heidi will guide students through the process of creating a beautifully realistic bird portrait of their own. 

This friendly and supportive environment is perfect for anyone with a love for nature, painting, and detail, whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out.

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.

About this workshop

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

It's for those who have a love of nature, watercolour, painting in general, with an eye for detail. 

If not… come along and learn about the beauty of this too! 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.

• Supportive, In-Depth Instruction: This is a hands-on, fully guided experience, complete with live demonstrations, one-on-one support, and real-time answers to your questions as we go. I’ll walk with you through every stage of the process.
• Explore, Connect, Learn & Grow: Workshops are about more than painting. They're about growth, discovery, and enjoying the shared experience of creativity. Come as you are - curious, rusty, confident or anywhere in between, and give yourself the space to focus, breathe and create.
• Real Results, Real Learning: If you've been wanting to deepen your skills, break out of a rut, or simply enjoy learning in a beautiful, relaxed setting, this course is for you. And yes, it’ll be a lot of fun, too.

What will I learn?

In this workshop, students will immerse themselves in the world of watercolour painting as they focus on illustrating small birds. Through this detailed and intricate process, they will:

• Build Your Watercolour Foundations: This workshop will take you through core watercolour techniques, from soft washes, delicate glazing to dry brush work, giving you the tools to approach realistic subjects with clarity and confidence.
• Master Detail & Texture: Small birds are a joy to paint, offering endless opportunities to explore feather texture, colour and fine detail, all while practicing control and refinement in your brushwork.
• Work in Layers: You’ll gain confidence in building your painting in layers, key to creating depth, interest, luminous colour, and a refined finish that brings your subject to life.
• Bring Your Bird to Life: With guidance throughout, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge of the medium and practical pathways to capture our feathered friends beautifully

Who is this workshop suitable for?

his workshop is suitable for artists of all experience levels. Whether  just beginning your watercolour journey or seeking to refine and advance your skills, you're in the right place to grow your realistic painting skills. 

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:

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

For Visitors FAQs