Painting Vibrant Loose Watercolor Birds

 Step into a world of vibrant colors and whimsical birds in this exciting watercolor painting tutorial. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, unlocking your creativity and exploring the limitless possibilities of loose watercolor techniques will bring your artwork to life. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating stunning bird illustrations using loose watercolor painting. Discover the joy of letting go, embracing the flow, and allowing the unpredictable nature of watercolors to work their magic on your canvas. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, you will learn how to capture the essence of whimsical birds. Whether you're seeking a new artistic outlet, wish to enhance your skills, or simply looking for a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, this tutorial is perfect for you. So, grab your paintbrushes, immerse yourself in the world of whimsical birds, and let your creativity take flight with loose watercolor painting!

This is our monthly Sustainable Craft Challenge hosted by blogger Julie of Sum of their Stories. Thank you, Julie, for all that you do to make this a go each month!  This month our theme is VIBRANT and you will see that we took this one to heart.  Go and check out each and every one of these delightful posts.

Sum of their Stories	Julie	How to paint your own vibrant fabric
Purple Hues and Me	Gail	Vibrant Volume Decoupage Flowers DIY
Christine's Crafts	Christine	Transform an Old Plastic Bangle into a Stylish Bangle Bracelet
Our Good Life	Terri	Painting Vibrant Loose Watercolor Birds
Old Rock Farmhouse	Marci	Growing a Garden Gnome
Decor Craft Design	Mel	Upcycled Spring Sign from Bottle Caps

Supplies Needed

To paint these adorable whimsical birds in a loose, watercolor fashion, you will need these supplies:

Watercolor Paper (I used these watercolor postcards from Amazon)

Spray bottle of water

Mixing paint tray (my watercolor set came with the tray)

Watercolor Round brush #6

Drying cloth (this is an old burp cloth from my grandson!)

Clean water

Gouache (I use this one from Amazon)

Watercolors (I use this one by Hannah MP from Amazon)

How to Paint Vibrant Loose Watercolor Birds

1.  First, what do we mean by "loose" in watercolor?  We mean that the paint has room to spread and the edges are a bit messy.  It is a very forgiving way to paint which is why I love it!  I paint because I love it, not because I am an artist. This style of watercolor was meant for someone like me! 

Spray your paints with a fine mist of water and let them rest 3-4 minutes.  This will get your colors ready for using.

2.  Paint two circles of water on your postcard.  Spread them out a bit to give room for details.  You can see that there is quite a bit of water in these circles.

3.  Dip your brush in water, then go to your paints and add quite a bit of paint to your brush.  Dab into your mixing tray.  Drop a few drops of paint on the edge of the circle and continue down the circle, following the edge, until you are about half way down.  Let the paint bleed into the circle.

4.  Choose another color and do the same, except on the bottom half of the circle.  It is ok for the colors to bleed into each other.  Leave a little white space in the middle.

5.  Do the same with the second circle of water, except choose different, vibrant colors.  Let these dry until fully dry.  You can use a hairdryer to speed up the process, but use it on LOW first, so the paint doesn't blow off the circle.

6.  Once the circles are dry, add your bird details, such as the beak, legs, feet, and tail.

7. WAIT for the eyes.  I have a trick for you.  Trace a small black circle and a larger black circle on transparent paper.  I use transparent sticky notes (from Amazon).  Then I place the sticky note by the beak until I find the right placement and then I paint the eyes.  Cool, huh?

Now you have a cute and whimsical postcard to send in the mail, or to use as a gift tag like I did for this one!  

Congratulations! You've taken a dive into the world of whimsical birds with loose watercolor painting. By unlocking your creativity and embracing the unpredictable nature of watercolors, you've learned how to capture the essence and character of various bird species. You've discovered techniques for adding details and textures, bringing your birds to life with expressive brushwork, and infusing them with personality and charm.

But your watercolor journey doesn't end here. There's always room for growth and exploration. Here are some next steps to continue your artistic adventure:

1. Expand Your Subject Matter: Now that you've mastered the art of painting whimsical birds, why not explore other subjects? Experiment with different animals, landscapes, or even abstract compositions. Push your boundaries and challenge yourself to create new and exciting artwork.

2. Join a Community: Connecting with other artists can be a valuable source of inspiration and feedback. Consider joining local art groups, attending workshops, or participating in online communities to share your work and learn from others. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals will fuel your passion for art and encourage you to continue pushing your creative boundaries. Find some favorites on Facebook and get all kinds of inspired!

3. Keep Practicing: The key to improving your watercolor skills is consistent practice. Set aside regular time for painting, even if it's just a few minutes each day. Challenge yourself with new techniques or experiment with different styles. Remember, every painting is an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist.

So, take what you've learned, continue exploring, and let your creativity take flight. The world of watercolor painting is vast and full of possibilities. Embrace the journey, trust your instincts, and let your imagination soar. Happy painting!

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