Gail Higgins
On Day 1 of this 2-day course we will focus on tips and techniques for painting beaks, eyes, feathers and feet and cover some interesting background effects.
Day 2 will see us put it all together with a detailed pastel painting of a bird that would please the most discerning twitcher. Bring reference photos of your favourite birds if you wish, though Gail will have plenty to choose from.
This course is suitable for beginners and artists with some experience.
A Master Pastellist with the Pastel Society of Australia since 2006, Gail has developed a keen interest in our native wildlife and now specialises in painting birds. Her detailed bird paintings have won many major awards including: Silver Medallist at the International Wildlife Art Society 2004, major award winner at Courier Mail Art Show 2005, many major awards at Queensland Wildlife Artists Society exhibitions including Best Bird Art on three occasions and Best Australian Wildlife Art in 2009. Gail has had several articles on painting birds published in Australian Artist.
Materials List
Materials required (to be supplied by participants) -
1 sheet Art Spectrum Colourfix paper – soft umber or similar,
1 sheet Canson Mi Tientes paper in one of the “bright” colours, i.e. tobacco, dark green, medium blue, burgundy (no light colours please). 2B pencil. 1 light grey Faber-Castell pastel. 1 kneadable eraser (putty rubber). 1 art board (At least A3 size e.g. coated masonite or MDF or other firm, smooth surface). 4 bulldog clips. 1 sheet of glassene paper to cover completed work. Hand wipes. Old tea towel or small tablecloth to be used as a drop sheet. Own artist quality pastels if you have them.
Other Materials (supplied by Gail Higgins) -
Overview of program - handout. Kit containing 1 white F-C Pitt Pastel pencil, 2 pastel sticks, drawing paper, contact details for tutor, handout “What is a Pastel”. Gail's personal pastels and pencils, to be shared. Fixative. Masking tape. Tissues. Various erasers. Extra papers (cartridge, tracing and pastel). Pastel primer. Mat boards. Reference material.
