Right about now, at the end of April, I would be packing up supplies to head out to schools and communities in Alaska to teach art. Teaching has been an important part of my yearly cycle for the last couple of years, as schools often do Artist in Schools residencies during their last weeks of the school year. With COVID-19 Alaska schools are closed through the end of the year, just like many places in the United States and across the world. We are all at home, hopefully staying safe and healthy. However, I still want to share art with you.
Sketching from nature can be relaxing, grounding, and empowering. As illustrator Wendy MacNaughton says, “Drawing is looking and looking is loving”. I started a YouTube channel this spring to share sketching lessons, prompts, and ideas with you. The first one, sketching peacock feathers, is a great introduction to sketching from life and using watercolor. I’ve taught this a few times, but I think it works well for a middle school audience and up. Anyone is welcome to watch and participate.
Learning video has a bit of a learning curve. I know this isn’t perfect, but I wanted to get something out for you sooner than later. I hope to keep making videos throughout the spring and summer to share more nature sketching, drawing, and paintings ideas. I’d love to hear what you think. Feedback and ideas are welcome as I start this new process.
In the first video we will observe and sketch out the peacock feather:
In the second video we will mix colors and paint in our drawing with watercolor:
The videos are 10 minutes and 18 minutes each and I think the whole art activity could take about an hour - an hour and a half, depending on how quickly you work. It is easy to do it in two or three different sessions. Here is what you will need:
watercolor paper, or thick mixed media paper that can absorb water. Mine is cut 13 x 7”, but you can use what you have.
pencil
watercolor set, I use a Cotman set for teaching
brush or two
container for water
small rag or paper towel
colored pencils (optional)
large eraser (optional)
peacock feathers or photos of a peacock feather (you can use the ones below)
Thank you for sketching with me! Please let me know what you create in the comments or using the hashtags #SWKpeacockfeather and #SketchingWithKristin on Instagram.
These are hard times and I am offering these classes for free because I want them to be accessible. However if you have the ability and found this content helpful a small donation ($5-10) is welcome. You can use the Paypal.me link below or Venmo me @linkkristin.