Observational Watercolor Birds
In this project we will be looking at the artwork by John James Audubon who was a famous American wildlife artist who created 435 life size prints of birds. His artwork will be the inspiration for us to investigate 1 of the 12 local birds listed below to research in order to create a small written description as well as an artwork. We will focus on how to draw from observation as well water coloring techniques and descriptive writing.
Project Goals
- Research the life of artist John James Audubon
- Research bird and complete short writing using provided document
- Draw selected bird from observation
- Color in bird using various watercolor techniques
- Research bird and complete short writing using provided document
- Draw selected bird from observation
- Color in bird using various watercolor techniques
Project Video
No video for first project.
Project Steps
Day 1:
1. Read about and view the artworks of John James Audubon (links at bottom).
2. Select a bird from the list of 12 to research
3. Draw bird outline and inside details from observation onto white paper
Day 2:
4. Start writing a summary of your bird using the template provided on this page
5. Trace over pencil design with fine point marker
Day 3:
6. Use various watercolor techniques to add color inside bird outline
7. Finish bird summary writing and connect to artwork for display
1. Read about and view the artworks of John James Audubon (links at bottom).
2. Select a bird from the list of 12 to research
3. Draw bird outline and inside details from observation onto white paper
Day 2:
4. Start writing a summary of your bird using the template provided on this page
5. Trace over pencil design with fine point marker
Day 3:
6. Use various watercolor techniques to add color inside bird outline
7. Finish bird summary writing and connect to artwork for display