Watercolor for Birdwatchers: NOoSPHERE Arts KWBS Residency Award

In conjunction with the NOoSPHERE Arts 2025 WE ARE NATURE Residency, artist Jeannie Rhyu will present a Watercolor for Birdwatchers workshop complementing her ceramic installation Entanglement. This installation is inspired by the migratory journeys of the local bird fauna that have been documented using the natural areas along Newtown Creek, including the Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof and the Newtown Creek Nature Walk.

During the workshop, participants will learn more about the birds that are found in the area and have the opportunity to work on their own watercolor naturalist illustrations. Watercolor painting is an ideal practice for artists, nature lovers, and birdwatchers who want to illustrate delicate details and capture the special characteristics of animals and plants. During this workshop, participants will learn to create illustrative paintings of local birds with watercolor, and how to use colored pencils to enhance their paintings. At the end of the workshop, participants will have created beautiful, scientific illustrations of their favorite birds and eggs.

What will someone learn by taking part?

This course will introduce the fundamentals of watercolor, such as mixing colors, controlling water and paint application, along with drawing techniques. Participants will learn how to use water and combinations of colors to create depth and layers. During this workshop, students will create illustrations with watercolor, and add more details with colored pencils. Participants will learn how to use colored pencils to create details that blend in naturally with watercolor. Participants may bring any additional reference photos of birds they may wish to use to create the artwork.

Who is your workshop for?

The workshop is the most suitable for middle school, high school, and adults.

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