Realistic Watercolor Bird Painting Tutorial (Robin Part 1)

[@JennyBrandisLace]

First off I have to say that your style of passing on knowledge inspires me. You have not forgotten how a beginner needs to know something that you, the artist have know 'forever' and do 'instinctively'. You explain clearly and don't hold back on technique which is very refreshing. Thank you.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Jenny, thank you very much. I'm really a 'simple' learner, so in turn I prefer to explain things in the way 'I think', not so much with the arty jargon out there. Keep painting! Paul 🎨

[@carolinejames5183]

I love panting birds and your teaching have helped me s much, thankyou so much really appreciate your help.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you for watching and following Caroline, and I'm glad I have been of some help to you. Paul 🎨

[@ginenelafontaine8343]

This is a very good tutorial. I've been watching different tutorials on painting the American Robin and this one was particularly valuable. What I'm finding is that everyone does it differently and each is exquisite. Thank you.

[@TheDevonArtist]

As you know, there are so many varying styles of using watercolour, each one is very often unique to that particular artist, So it's good to gleam ideas from each one to give you plenty of techniques to try out. Thank you for your kind works, Paul 🎨

[@Nanttocs]

Really appreciated all the tips! Great tutorial!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad it was helpful Nancy, thank you for watching, Paul 🎨

[@evonneking3858]

Thank you. I enjoyed this video and look forward to trying out your techniques.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Evonne, you are very welcome, thank you for watching, Paul 🎨

[@crystalheart9]

You are the best instructor and it's a joy to watch you paint.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much, Paul :-)

[@Mr.S65]

Most definitely a very useful video for various reasons. From using masking fluid to painting the details of the bird so that they’re clear after the washes. I’ll start by painting the outlines technique. Clever

[@TheDevonArtist]

You're very welcome Mr s, thank you very much for your kind comment. Paul 🎨

[@parmindersinghgrewal6975]

Extremely informative. Thanks

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it. :-)

[@michelle3064]

Hi Paul, I just arrived in the UK from Guam and will be stationed at Lakenheath. I am binge watching your videos while in quarantine for 14 days. I’ve enjoyed watching you create such beautiful artwork over the last six months, but now I finally have some time to focus. I will be happy when my art supplies make it to England! Thank you for making quarantine bearable!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Michelle, a BIG welcome to the UK from me! Plus a massive thank you for watching my videos here on KZbinr. Have you joined my website for the FREE section yet? I have a few full length videos there for you rather than my shortened versions here. devonartist.co.uk/ Thanks again, Paul :-)

[@oliviadominguez1181]

Many thanks for this instructions also will very important to tell what sort of brush are you using and type of paper

[@TheDevonArtist]

Leave me a comment if you found this video useful and let me know which techniques you will be using from now on.

[@nursdurkin]

I like how you paint the pencil lines to lock them in...I will be using this technique from now on!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much Paula :-)

[@vteniclos2806]

Thanks from Spain, With your help may be i start to learn

[@kbusch011]

Thanks for always being so detailed, Paul. Your instruction is always appreciated!

[@TheDevonArtist]

My pleasure Kimmiedee, I'm glad it is helpful, Paul 🎨

[@colorist_tommy4247]

amazing tutorial thank you

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you for watching. 😃

[@75Butterflyangel]

Big fat 'like'for sharing all your help and knowhow on the net, which is soo unique!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very, very much, your words mean such a lot to me. Paul :-)

[@yvonnewhite2996]

Thourgly enjoy watching you paint you have such a very calm manner and beautiful voice x

[@TheDevonArtist]

Yvonne, that's a lovely thing to say, thank you. Paul 🎨

[@punamshende3908]

As usual it's awesome and very informative. You are best teacher l ever saw. Always waiting to see you painting..

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much Punam, what a lovely thing to say. I'm glad you are enjoying my videos. Paul :-)

[@janesiewert6621]

Thank you for making this available to us. VERY well done and clear descriptions of each layer. Am looking forward to Part 2. I have purchased several of your tutorials and find them all very complete with helpful techniques for the beginners. So fun to do!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much Jane! Plus also a BIG thank you for buying my tutorials. Just to let you know that Part 2 will be out tomorrow, so you don't have long to wait. Paul 🎨

[@janesiewert6621]

Appreciate your sharing this with us - very enjoyable and learned a lot on "feathers". Please share more!!!!!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Jane, thank you very much! I have many more video planned for you and all here. Regards, Paul 🎨

[@nursdurkin]

Love this tutorial and my familiar backyard bird here in Georgia USA!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Brilliant to hear Paula! Being here in the UK it's not a bird we see here. The European Blackbird is completely different to yours. Thank you for your kind words. Paul 🎨

[@Knorrette]

Thank you. Very instructive and comprehensive. Thoroughly enjoyed this tutorial!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad it was helpful Cleopatra, thank you, Paul 🎨

[@yeahno990]

Hello! I am a beginner using acrylics but have been interested in watercolors. I found this very interesting and informative! I hit subscribe and will be back to check out other videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skill!!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Nicolette, thank you very much for subscribing, I'm, glad my video has been of use to you. Paul 🎨

[@chrisroybeading7583]

Paul can you use the graphite paper more than once, also thank you beautiful bird

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi ChrisRoy, yes you can, in fact I've been using the same sheets (I have around 6) for the past couple of years and I paint every week. Take a look at my affiliate products list if you have not got any just yet. devonartist.co.uk/materials-i-use-or-recommend-for-realistic-watercolour/ Hope this helps, Paul :-)

[@michelew4078]

Love this! So helpful I'm a beginning watercolor artist with a special interest in birds. (I've been drawing birds forever.. But just learning to water color). I have two requests re the color white. How to do make white highlights of you havent 'left out "blank spaces? I see you using something but every time I try to paint white water color over color, it doesn't work. Second, I'd love a tutorial on how to paint white feathers and an all white bird, like a white dove

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Michele, thank you so much for your very kind words. As you can see I also love painting birds, especially in watercolour. Making the white stand out can depend on two things, the type of white you are using, is it opaque, semi-opaque, semi-transparent? We obviously need an opaque white to make it stand out. You can use white gouache which is naturally opaque as well. I have painted quite a lot of white feathers (and fur) over the years and do have tutorials on my website devonartist.co.uk/ with white feathers such as the Bald Eagle, Chickadee (belly), Barn Owl (face) and a few others as well. Think about what's behind the scene before you add the white paint as well. I also have some videos on here for using white paint if it helps, take a look at this playlist bit.ly/3sbptZv Hope this helps, Paul 🎨

[@michelew4078]

Thank you so much, that's definitely helpful! I didn't realize watercolor comes in different opacities. And I'll check out qauche.. I don't know it. Thanks again. Great Channel

[@donnadonohue4998]

Another fabulous tutorial Paul always learn something from you . Have you thought of doing a tutorial of rough skin. Like a rhino or water buffalo I’m having trouble trying to figure out the wrinkles and roughness. Just a thought 🦏

[@TheDevonArtist]

Yes I have but not quite a rhino or buffalo (good idea though). I am thinking about painting an elephant at some point as well. So maybe a similar type of rough skin. Good fun though. :-)

[@donnadonohue4998]

Wildlife in Watercolour I still think a rhino with its rough horn and leathery hide might be a challenge for you. Lol. 🦏

[@margaretbrownhill1193]

This is quite random, but I’m always green with envy when I see your brush holder, it would be beyond my capabilities to make one like that but it’s perfect . Now I will watch the video lol

[@TheDevonArtist]

Margaret, I do understand however if you know someone who can do a little bit of woodwork they could make one for you. Here is a link to my personal blog on how I made it. Paul ;-) devonartist.co.uk/my-budget-brush-holder/

[@margaretbrownhill1193]

Thsnkyou Paul, my youngest son is very handy I will ask him to do it for me , I will follow the link and copy the instructions , I just like the tidy ness of it as well the accessibility ,🥰

[@shandralamb7044]

You are so good. Great communicator. I'm a beginner and Having a difficult time getting the hang. Do you have a video on birds for beginners? Thanks for your videos.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Sandra, thank you for your kind words. Yes, I do have videos on painting birds starting with the colourful Robin. I currently have 3 bird video classes there, you just need to sign up as a Free Member. Give them a go, I'm sure you can do it. Paul :-) devonartist.co.uk/

[@nysart6582]

I love this video! Great channel! In my art videos and art projects, I love using wet into wet! What is your favorite technique?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you, my favourite technique has to be the fine details, wet in wet coming a close second. :-)

[@georginastulen9911]

Hi Paul greetings from the Netherlands but what is a arist (check your intro 😝). Anyway, I am a beginner at painting wildlife in water color. So lucky to have found your channel. Great work love it.

[@TheDevonArtist]

LOL, thank you Georgina, we spotted that after a few videos, and then it is really obvious! 😀 Enjoy the videos and time to get those brushes wet. Paul 🎨

[@jeanburnell5354]

wonderful. was it variations of the three colours for the back of the bird?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Jean, yes it was. I do like to keep switching colours, this way you can add them into the damp paper to get some nice blending effects. Paul 🎨

[@marcijlo]

Paul I am new to your channel and love your tutorial, the black you use as to layer, do you blend it with blue as well? Your detail painting is gorgeous!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Marci, yes I do add blue and other colours to my lamp black. Doing so takes away that 'flat look' of black on its own. You can of course use blue, red and yellow to make a dark colour, but I personally prefer to use black paint for the convenience. Add a warm or cool colour to it obviously depending on the subject. Paul 🎨

[@marcijlo]

@@TheDevonArtist thank you Paul!

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are welcome, I've just thought, and this video all about black paint may help you too, whilst it's focused on fur the same principle works for feathers. Hope you find it useful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKuqknujo7VrkLs

[@marcijlo]

@@TheDevonArtist thank you so much Paul!🥀

[@susanwilson1276]

Hi Paul, I keep meaning to ask you about the contraption you have holding your brushes 😉 what it is and how you made it...thanks 👍

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Susan, I do have a blog on this if it helps, here's the link for you: devonartist.co.uk/my-budget-brush-holder/

[@susanwilson1276]

I've read your blog, what a good idea! I'm going to adapt a paint roller myself...thanks Paul for all your tips and tricks 👍😉

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@susanwilson1276 You're welcome Susan. 😀

[@annefleming9804]

Can you paint the New Zealand native Tui bird?

[@TheDevonArtist]

That's a new one to me Anne, I will look it up. 😀

[@josephshirren2609]

tips on flowers plz...

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Joseph, I will see what I can plan, so popping it on my list for you. Paul 🎨

[@eyeonart6865]

Please show one of your dvd, pdf content preview.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi, thank you for asking. I do have an Etsy shop with all my PDF's for everyone to browse through. Obviously, all of my videos are on my www.devonartist.co.uk website and Patreon. I hope this helps. Paul 🎨 www.etsy.com/shop/DevonArtist

[@anthonyclegg1511]

What about copyright issues. Who did the photo of the bird.?.

[@TheDevonArtist]

The lovely photo was by Peter Brannon on Flickr, who I credit within my video description. He's an excellent photographer who kindly supports my work as an artist.

[@anthonyclegg1511]

@@TheDevonArtist that's excellent Paul, I paint birds, from photos in books, and I was wondering if I am breaking copyright laws, I would welcome your views. Thanks.

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@anthonyclegg1511 Hi Anthony, if it's a painting just for personal use and don't intend on selling it, then I don't see it as being a problem. But if it's displayed outside your home, say for example within a gallery but not for sale, then a note who the photographer is should be the right thing to do. I would however, attempt to get in touch with the photographer, thanking them and emailing them a photo of your work. Just a little bit of recognition goes a long way. Don't forget websites such as pixabay.com where you can access thousands of royalty free photographs, well worth a look. Paul 🎨

[@anthonyclegg1511]

@@TheDevonArtist thank you very much Paul. I've been painting for 50 years, but have only recently got interested in wildlife, and I painted my first bird painting in oils today, and am very pleased with it. I mainly give my paintings to friends and family, so I hope this will be OK.. I am from and living in England, not far from Manchester. Ant.

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@anthonyclegg1511 I'm glad I can be of help Anthony. 50 years, just eight years more than myself. LOL BTW, I'm a born Mancunian. 😀