Plein Air for Members
Alla Adams, Coordinator
Monday, December 9
11 am - 2 pm
Topic: Nature Scene
Location: Galveston, TX
Painting cranes in a natural scene with
watercolor allows for a graceful representation of these elegant birds in serene landscape. How to go about it? You might want to begin by sketching the cranes, focusing on their distinctive shapes and poised postures. Use soft, delicate washes for their plumage, capturing the subtle interplay of light and shadow on their feathers. For the surrounding environment, apply gentle hues of green, blue, and brown to depict wetlands, tall grasses, or reflective water bodies. The fluidity of watercolor is ideal for rendering the tranquil atmosphere of the scene, with the cranes standing out against the soft, natural background. Pay special attention to the reflection of the cranes in the water, if present, and the soft blending of colors to convey the peacefulness and harmony of nature. The result will be a harmonious composition that highlights the beauty and elegance of cranes in their natural habitat.
Sandhill Cranes come to winter in Galveston. About a few hundred of these elegant birds take advantage of the milder climate and plentiful food resources on the island. In Galveston, they are called affectionately Sandies. Like most cranes, Sandies are monogamous and mate for life, spending 20-30 years together year-round, so it is likely that many of our winter visitors have been returning to Galveston year after year for decades.
This Plein Air event will focus on painting a nature scene and Sandhill Cranes.
Plein Air - Recommended Supply List: Plein Air - Supply List.docx
Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going
to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.
I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting a nature scene and Sandhill Cranes in Plein Air!
5 Techniques for Painting Grasses in Watercolor by Paul Clark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7xH3dIoElg
Watercolor Techniques – Dry Brush Painting Flowers and Grasses by Wendy Powel-Jones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBMmcoPbXYY
Simple Watercolor Landscape Painting Using Only One Brush by Karen Rice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0R3_uGgzuM
How to Paint Elegant Sandhill Cranes in Watercolor by Morgaine Rose
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIEPg1jAkRA
Atmospheric Watercolor Wetland Marsh and Cranes by Lois and Morgaine Davidson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=LBetUhxyU_s
Sandhill Crane Portrait: Transparent Watercolor Time-lapse by Bohan Art
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGcF9XK_buM
Sandhill Cranes Scientific Illustration Techniques in Watercolor by Steven Melendrez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd6H_GL-JEY