REALISTIC Watercolour Bird 🎨 (How to AVOID Common MISTAKES)

Learning to paint realistic watercolour birds, certainly involves painting feathers, here's how to do it!
In this video, I demonstrate some common mistakes that I encounter, and I show how they simply don't work on a bird. As I gradually work through the lesson, I add in, and remove elements to slowly increase the realistic feel of the feathers. There are lots of things to think about and consider, and sometimes seeing mistakes, and how they affect a painting, is a good way of remembering not to do the same thing. On the final study we paint the feathers using all the techniques I usually use, and you will see how much more, realistic and lifelike the bird is as a result.
For a much fuller explanation on painting a realistic watercolour Robin, head to this complete tutorial next, and let's get them brushes wet: bit.ly/3ofDrcJ
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🕒 Timestamps 🕒
00:00 Realistic watercolour bird
00:25 Going too dark too quickly with the watercolour feathers
01:44 Applying the feather detail too thick and too evenly, with lines that are too long
03:18 Adding depth to the feathers by criss-crossing the lines
05:40 Painting feathers using short lines, so they look more realistic
07:00 Be mindful of the outer edge, and keeping the overall shape of the bird correct
07:23 Using a size 00 to paint the feather detail even finer
07:59 Thinking about the direction of the individual feathers
11:46 Lightening the pencil outlines
12:34 Applying a foundation wash, which will add depth to the feathers
14:26 Adding feather detail over the foundation wash
18:12 Painting a realistic watercolour bird using all we have learnt so far
22:22 Softening down feather layers on the bird to make them more realistic
24:10 Varying the colour mixes so that the bird looks more lifelike
27:45 Adding highlights using watercolour white, to give more shape to the bird
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[@clementine5672]

I learn so much in every video, Paul and am so excited to put this into practice, especially noting that even a larger brush can be used for finer details in a pinch, but only if it’s loaded with the right amount of paint and I just use the very tip. I am curious, in order to get a creamier consistency do you pull the paint with a dry brush then? (I struggle to get anything less than watery). Thanks!

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are so welcome Clementine. I use a semi-dry brush when working with a creamy consistency, I find that the paint does flow better with a clean, damp brush. Paul 🎨

[@AnimalArtbyTerraCotta]

This kind of tutorial is what elevates artists rapidly to another level! That underpainting and the finer touch and layers is so nicely illustrated! 🥰

[@TheDevonArtist]

Wow, thank you! That's kind of you to say, Paul 🎨

[@mindykeys206]

"It was a windy day in Devon, it was" said Robin. "Don't worry, Robin" said Paul, "I will fix you up in no time!" This is a fantastic lesson for everyone who wants to paint realistic feathers or fur. Thank you as always.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you so much Mindy and for making me giggle. 😁

[@annewatman677]

Wonderful demo, and so easy to see what you’re doing and understand. This should be helpful for a lot of people.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Anne, I'm glad my little video has helped you get some ideas. Paul 🎨

[@iamhuman145]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. You are a great teacher.

[@TheDevonArtist]

I'm glad it was helpful to yo, thank you for coming along to my videos. 😀

[@DanielleFung]

Love every bits of this video. Thanks.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it, and a big thank you for watcvhing. 😊

[@HeyPainting]

My friend! So love your sharing~ have a nice day!! 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much 😀

[@bonnieg4076]

I'm still trying to emulate your ever-so-steady hand control for those tiny lines. I do love painting the birds, and will keep following your guides. I will get there with your help.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Go for it Bonnie, take your time and enjoy the painting process. Paul 🎨

[@angelacampion8709]

Thanks Paul, they should keep me amused for awhile! If I watch them all I'll never get a painting done!! X

[@TheDevonArtist]

I'm glad to be of some help to you Angela. 😀

[@TheDevonArtist]

What are your struggles when you try to paint realistic watercolour birds? *Leave me a comment* , I'd like to try and help. If you are interested in painting a Robin, head to this video next, and I'll show you how: bit.ly/3ofDrcJ

[@maryellenpike9402]

Hi Paul from North Carolina USA!! Thank you for such a great lesson and the zooming in for close up of your work! I just received my 00 brush, and I’m hoping to try it out on a bluebird!

[@TheDevonArtist]

We always called people across the pond our American cousins and proud of it. 😁 I'm glad you like my video Mary, this one did take quite a bit of chopping, moving, changing with the video editing, good fun though. Enjoy that size 00 brush, just remember to not mix your paints with it though. Paul 🎨

[@zaydabadilla7722]

Gracias amigo! Saludos

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hola Zayda, de nada. 😀

[@cherylbrewer1218]

Thank you Paul for another great video 😊

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it Cheryl, thank you for watching. 😀

[@angelicazambranocerpa5697]

I really enjoy every video. Thank you for sharing ☺️

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad you like them Angelica, thank you, Paul 🎨

[@Marifren-zt9wt]

Thank you!

[@TheDevonArtist]

You're welcome 😊

[@meeraahuja1594]

Very inspiring video. Thank you

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it Meera, thank you for watching. Paul 🎨

[@sarahhogan6207]

I'm working on a painting of my budgie and I love your videos! I look forward to learning more from you. Thank-you 😊

[@TheDevonArtist]

Good luck with the painting Sarah. 🙂

[@estafilococa89]

The best tutorial ever !! 😍 thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@TheDevonArtist]

That's very kind of you to say, thank you. 😃

[@Jcakiiiii]

I am amazed! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are so welcome Jennifer. 😀

[@rajannair7195]

Wow...this is such a valuable video. Very informative and it was a wonderful learning experience. Loved your teaching techniques and your warm, friendly, sense of humor, Paul. 👍👌

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad it was helpful, and thank you so much for your kind compliments. Paul 🎨

[@joys4524]

Thanks so much, Paul. Very helpful!❤

[@TheDevonArtist]

You're so welcome! Jo. :-)

[@coconutthiefwander]

This is a Fantastic video! It is giving me more confidence painting animals. Thank you!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much Sefora, that's brilliant to here. Paul 🎨

[@GeneArts]

Great tutorial!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much. 😀

[@So_salty]

Subscribed!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much Amy!😀

[@PaintingartAfsaneh]

Very nice

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you 😀

[@LoriF25403]

Wonderful tutorial, thank you

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it Lori 😀

[@doriarosekeene3637]

Great thanks

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are welcome Doria 😀

[@ritaobrien9093]

Thank you! This video is quite informative. I see you are left-handed (or the video flip-flopped) I am wondering if the painting would be easier for me if I flipped the bird to the other side. As I was imagining me painting this position would make painting the feathers quite awkward. I'm going to try positioning the bird each way and find out!

[@TheDevonArtist]

I am left-handed Rita, some of my right-handed members don't seem to find it too tricky. You can of course rotate the paper and the photo when working on tricky areas when needed. 😀 But yes, as you mentioned you could photo flip it as well. 🙃

[@nicoleperron3315]

I was getting anxious by the fifth one thinking is he ever going to do an underpainting? I would have started with the orange.... I would like a tutorial on a crow, a raven and a buzzard if possible. I have trouble with birds, their basic shape, the head tilts, is where I get tangled up, not the details like the eyes or feet.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Nicole, yes the underpainting I do is minimal, with just the initial first wash layer of watery consistency paint, then the details to go over the top. Thank you for the suggestions. 😊

[@joycestevens376]

Paul, I so appreciate this lesson. I have a question though. Why do you paint the feathers going against the grain (from right to left) of the bird? In other words, isn't the shaft of the hair thicker at the base (like human hair too) than the outside edge. I am right handed and can't seem to paint from right to left as you do. I feel like I need to paint the feathers from left to right to get them them short and thin and to paint with the curve of the bird's head. Does my question make sense? Thank you so much for your awesome lesson.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Joyce, I tend to paint from the inside of the bird to the outside, to achieve a tapered line when lifting the brush off the paper. Plus, I'm obviously following the direction of the feathers, so the direction they grow, to try and achieve a more 3D shape. I have the same issue with me being a leftie, I find it tricky to paint a line from left to right for the same reason. I get around this by rotating my painting and the reference photo. 😀 This also helps with any finer curved lines, so you can use the natural arc of your wrist. Thank you so much for watching my videos here. Happy New Year. Paul 🎨

[@artstime]

Awesome

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much Arts Time. 😀

[@riosperezluisar]

Hello, podrías habilitar subtitulos en español. Gracias ❤

[@TheDevonArtist]

I wish I could speak Spanish Andres, so my apologies for not being able to type the subtitles in that language.

[@paulettetemplin564]

I am brand new to this and just love your videos! Im.wonderkng what a good tracing pencil and eraser would be?

[@TheDevonArtist]

That's very kind of you Paul, thank you. I would recommend a mechanical pencil with a 2H 0.5 nib for transferring the image through the paper. This way, the pencil keeps more or less the same thickness line most of the time. As for an eraser, I would look for a needable one you can dab (not rub) the paper with, or a dust-free one where you can rub with it without damaging the paper surface too much. I do have a list of most of the materials I used on the link below if it helps, Paul 🎨 devonartist.co.uk/materials-i-use-or-recommend-for-realistic-watercolour/

[@paulettetemplin564]

@TheDevonArtist thanks so much Paul!

[@jillhess3622]

Is the paper still wet when you add the lines of the feathers? And if so how are you re-wetting it? One more, my paper curles or buckles when I wet it. I am using 400 lb paper. Bristol water color.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Jill, I usually dry the background washes before adding the details. I have on the odd occasion waited for the background to semi-dry, so just as the shine is about to go off, then add the details. This will give them a softer feel. 😀

[@jillhess3622]

@@TheDevonArtist thank you....

[@lynnebell5661]

Great videos may I make a suggestion for colours & No of brush noted on video thanks Lynne Australia I

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Lynne, I do go through the brushes and colours throughout the video. These are burnt umber, raw umber, Payne's grey, watercolour white and a size 6 and size 00 brush. 😀

[@cindymusser7655]

Hi, Paul, I’m wondering why you don’t use your replicator, whisk, or rake brushes more for these types of jobs? .

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Cindy, yes, as you know I use my little 'replicator' brush for many of my wildlife paintings. But today, I wanted to just show how to achieve the same effect with just normal brushes and not specially homemade ones, so really the type of brush most people will have within their painting kit. For those that haven't seen my special homemade replicator brush for working of feathers and fur, here is the link for you. bit.ly/3IsSk40 Use the timestamps in the description for 7mins 24secs. Thank you Cindy, Paul 🎨

[@kellyhalligan1328]

Thanks, how do you find such detailed photos?

[@TheDevonArtist]

It certainly is Kelly, at least for feathers anyway. 😀

[@alexwesterhof793]

To me it looks more like hair than feathers... Never seen a Robin with a wig😅

[@TheDevonArtist]

LOL, it can look like that. I used a very similar method for animal hairs as well, it does seem to work well in the later stages though. 😀

[@juradodevoz]

There is no right or wrong in art. So please stop telling people that they do something wrong, because an artist can do whatever he likes! Thank you!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Maig for your comment.

[@sandiebrown9521]

It’s true, an artist can do whatever she likes. But don’t expect it to look like The Devon Artist’s work. If one is striving to emulate this type of art then there are definitely right and wrong ways of achieving this. And that is the main reason people watch this channel 🤔

[@EvaPev]

Why are there artist academies you think? What a stupid reply.

[@michaellowe8086]

Impertinence. What an example this comment is of impertinence.

[@michaellowe8086]

Well done demo, and applicable on many points to other subjects, even landscapes.