Frog Illustration In Watercolour | Heidi Willis

We're excited to have Heidi returning to Bienarté for this brand new 2 day watercolour workshop, focused on the wonderfully ever popular, quirky and fascinating world of frog illustration. 

A fun and expressive subject to explore, offering  a rich combination of character, form, colour and texture. Frogs are beautiful, complex and this workshop is all about learning to capture this wonderful subject in realistic watercolour. Whether you're an experienced painter or completely new to the medium, this course is designed to give you new knowledge, skills and confidence in your painting journey.

Running solo or with another of Heidi's workshop options on her Brisbane and Sunshine Coast tour, explore the beautifully intricate world of botanical art and natural history in watercolour.

Australian born, Heidi Willis is an entirely self-taught Natural History watercolour artist, specialising in botanical illustration and bird painting. Her work intricately illustrates our native and exotic plants, flowers, fruits and seed capsules, whilst her powerful & distinctive portraits of our spectacular bird life offers viewers an insight into the world as she experiences it.

About this workshop

This is a 2 day painting workshop in a friendly learning environment, exploring this wonderful medium, craft and creative skill. 

It's for those who have a love of nature, watercolour, painting in general, with an eye for detail. 

• Clear, Supportive Guidance: As always, you’ll be fully supported with step-by-step demonstrations, one-on-one feedback, and a teaching approach that meets you where you are. I’ll walk you through the entire process with clarity and care.
• Unique Subject, A New Challenge: Exploring the new story frogs bring helps you grow your skills, expand your exposure to the medium and craft, learning to manage watercolour better with every new challenge, and this one is full of learning opportunity and unique fun.
• Create, Connect & Enjoy: Workshops are about more than just painting. They’re a chance to step away from the rush, dive into your creativity, and connect with other like-minded artists in a warm and inspiring environment... its a great unplug!

What will I learn?

In this workshop, students will immerse themselves in the world of watercolour painting as they focus on illustrating small birds. Through this detailed and intricate process, they will:

• Work With Watercolour Techniques: We’ll dive into washes, layering and dry brush techniques to help you build vibrant colour and texture, perfect for capturing the unique surface qualities of frogs.
• Observation and Process: We'll break this challenging subject down into digestible steps and processes, helping you to see, work and paint better!   
• Layering for Depth & Subtlety: Frogs offer the perfect opportunity to work with luminous glazes, creating subtle transitions of tone, colour and texture in your work. You'll learn how to see and layer you watercolour for more realistic, dimensional and improved results.
• Detail and Texture: Whether it's the glisten of a moist skin, the intricacy of markings or the softness of a shadow, this subject gives us the perfect playground for exploring naturalistic detail in your work. Learning to refine your work makes a big difference, all of these things bringing your painting to life!

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for artists with any level of experience so come along and enjoy learning more about this wonderful art form and medium.

What do I need to bring?

Students can supply their own paints, brushes, boards and paper or you can purchase in cash from Heidi on the day. Please pre order your kit in advance by emailing us at team@bienarte.com.au. You'll also need $1-$2 for the printed worksheets for the workshop.

Other Items to Bring:

• Pencil - 2B (PROGRESSO graphite stick, if possible)
• Mechanical pencil 0.5mm HB
• White plastic eraser
• Scotch 'magic' tape
• Small sketchpad, A4 Cartridge paper is fine, or just whatever you have.
• A Palette (KLIK Palette is recommended, Cavalier Art Supplies supplies stock these) Heidi uses 2 but 1 will be enough for a start.

Watercolours:

Below is Heidi's complete kit and any are likely to be used. You can share Heidi's for the workshop for $55.

Heidi uses Artist quality Winsor & Newton tubes:

Winsor Violet                                    Perylene Maroon                         Permanent Rose 
Permanent Magenta                        Winsor Red                                  Indigo                      
French Ultramarine Blue                  Raw Sienna                                 Burnt Sienna                               
Olive Green                                       Permanent Sap Green                Cobalt Blue                                  
Cerulean Blue (Red shade - the lightest one possible)                      Cobalt Turquoise (Light) 
Green Gold                                       Winsor Lemon                              Windsor Yellow Deep 
Scarlet Lake                                     Neutral Tint

Brushes:

Brush sets available from Heidi on the day. Brushes range from approx $4 - 7.50 each. A standard class set of 4 is around $30, but
you can buy more if you need/wish.

• Taklon nylon brushes (sizes 3/0, 1, 3, 5 with GOOD points and a cover sleeve on them)

Paper and Boards:

Boards are available from Heidi for $10 each (allow for half to 1 board a day) 

Heidi will bring the stock/paper you will work on in the workshop. 

Masking Fluid and Pen:

Bring these if you already have them. Heidi will bring a few ruling pens to share with the group. 

• Masking Fluid (colourless) - Pop it into a Ziploc bag to save yourself any potential disasters!
• Ruling pen or ink nib pen

Bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by.

What else is provided

• Tea, coffee and biscuits (bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarte art community

Useful Information

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