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Colin Bradley School of Art

Would you love to be able to paint AMAZING Bird Pictures?

In this course you will learn techniques to be able to paint these incredible bird pictures. When you're finished, you'll have the skills to be able to paint your own bird pictures too.

Pastel Pencils

It all starts with Pastel Pencils.

In my 30+ Years of Experience I have found that Pastel Pencils is the by far the easiest art medium to pick up and learn.

When you have finished this course not only will you walk away with

Materials

Pastel Pencils

Read more

Would you love to be able to paint AMAZING Bird Pictures?

In this course you will learn techniques to be able to paint these incredible bird pictures. When you're finished, you'll have the skills to be able to paint your own bird pictures too.

Pastel Pencils

It all starts with Pastel Pencils.

In my 30+ Years of Experience I have found that Pastel Pencils is the by far the easiest art medium to pick up and learn.

When you have finished this course not only will you walk away with

Materials

Pastel Pencils

Pastel Pencils are a wonderful medium, they can be blended easily on top of each other and, because they're in a pencil form, are very easy to use.

These subjects are technically classed at an "Intermediate" level however I always say that no matter your experience, if you want to have a go, then you should.

We use Pastel Pencils from a variety of brands - Faber- Castell, STABILO Carbothello, Cretacolor and Caran d'Ache. You can of course use your own brand of pastel pencil too. We provide you with colour charts so that you can compare the colours. Here is the full list of colours used within the course:

Faber-Castell PITT Pastel Pencils

  • 101 white

  • 230 cold grey I

  • 233 cold grey IV

  • 169 caput mortuum

  • 155 Helio Turquoise

  • 157 dark indigo

  • 181 payne's grey

  • 199 black

  • 280 Burnt Umber

  • 109 Dark Chrome Yellow

  • 113 Orange Glaze

  • 118 Scarlett Red

  • 192 Indian Red

  • 189 cinnamon

  • 138 violet

  • 194 Red-Violet

  • 103 ivory

  • 132 beige red

  • 186 Terracotta

  • 283 burnt sienna

  • 149 Bluish Turquoise

  • 270 warm grey I

  • 273 warm grey IV

  • 140 light ultramarine

  • 143 cobalt blue

  • 151 helioblue-reddish

  • 102 cream

  • 185 naples yellow

  • 170 may green

  • 165 juniper green

  • 190 venetian red

  • 175 Dark Sepia

  • 159 Hooker's Green

  • 104 Light Yellow Glaze

  • 168 earth green yellowish

  • 167 permanent green olive

  • 226 alizarin crimson

Caran d'Ache Pastel Pencils

  • 542 Light flesh 10%

  • 093 Violet grey

  • 066 Raw russet

  • 042 Flesh

  • 039 Olive brown

  • 541 Light flesh 5%

  • 582 Portrait pink

  • 212 Chromium oxyde green

  • 662 Cobalt blue 10%

  • 901 Chinese white

  • 736 Brown olive 50%

  • 748 Dark flesh

  • 745 Dark flesh 40%

  • 821 Naples ochre

  • 068 Herculanum red

  • 741 Dark flesh 5%

  • 240 Lemon yellow

  • 530 Golden cadmium yellow imit.

  • 243 Light olive 20%

  • 070 Scarlet

  • 060 Vermilion

  • 161 Light blue

  • 050 Flame red

  • 506 Payne's grey 50%

  • 583 Violet pink

  • 052 Saffron

Cretacolor Pastel Pencils

  • 212 Indian Red

  • 140 Mars Violet

  • 130 tan dark

  • 135 old rose light

  • 179 Fir Green

  • 112 vermillion light

  • 182 moss green dark

  • 126 reddish purple

  • 183 french green

  • 164 smyrna blue

  • 131 tan light

STABILO Carbothello Pastel Pencils

  • 724 Cold Grey 3

  • 680 Dark Flesh Tint

  • 640 Caput Mortuum Violet

  • 770 Payne's Grey

  • 670 Burnt Sienna

  • 210 Orange Yellow

  • 570 Leaf Green Middle

  • 695 Naples Yellow

  • 330 Purple

  • 325 Carmine Red Deep

  • 642 Caput Mortuum Violet Light

  • 405 Ultramarine Blue

Pastel Paper

The paper I use is Dark Grey PastelMat Pastel Paper (300gms thickness). This is a fantastic paper and can take a lot of layers.

It has a sand paper like texture to it which makes it more difficult to erase mistakes on but the results you can get are worth it. If you do not have this paper you can use your own pastel paper (UART 800 grit is a great alternative).

Outline Drawing

I provide you with a basic outline drawing for each picture. If you wish to use this, simply trace the outline to your paper using a graphite transfer sheet like tracedown (for dark grey paper you will benefit from using a white tracing sheet so you can see the outline more clearly).

Step by Step Instructions

I walk you through step by step with video instruction how to draw each stage. You'll learn techniques behind drawing beautiful bird pictures and create pictures you can be proud of.

Start Learning Today

With just a small amount of pencils you will see the AMAZING effects you can get.

Let your journey into drawing and painting bird portraits start here.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Please read this first before getting started :-)

Download the various Pastel Pencil Colour Charts in the resources section. These help with identifying colours and if you are using a different brand.

Read more

In this lesson you'll learn how to colour this beautiful Blue Tit. Download the basic outline and reference pictures in the resources section.

In this lesson you'll learn how to colour this beautiful Nuthatch. Download the basic outline and reference pictures in the resources section.

In this lesson you'll learn how to colour this beautiful Thrush. Download the basic outline and reference pictures in the resources section.

In this lesson you'll learn how to colour this beautiful Robin. Download the basic outline and reference pictures in the resources section.

In this lesson you'll learn how to colour this beautiful Parakeet. Download the basic outline and reference pictures in the resources section.

In this lesson you'll learn how to colour this beautiful Rainbow Bee-Eater. Download the basic outline and reference pictures in the resources section.

By completing all 6 pictures you will have gained a lot of experience and understanding of using pastel pencils to recreate beautiful Bird Pictures.

Why not have a go at drawing your own birds?

If you have enjoyed this course we would love it if you could leave us a positive review on Udemy as it helps others to discover their own hidden talents too.

If you would like to share your artwork with us or get in touch please drop us a message in the Q & A section or via the Udemy messaging tools. We would love to hear from you.

Lastly, we wish you all the best with your artistic journey and hope to welcome you on another course in the future.

- Colin and Steve

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses pastel pencils, which are known for being easy to blend and use, making them accessible for beginners and those with limited experience
Provides basic outline drawings, which can help learners focus on coloring techniques rather than struggling with initial sketches and proportions
Employs a step-by-step video instruction approach, which allows learners to follow along at their own pace and visually understand the techniques being taught
Requires specific brands and colors of pastel pencils, which may require learners to purchase additional art supplies beyond what they already own
Uses Dark Grey PastelMat Pastel Paper, which has a sandpaper-like texture that may be difficult to erase mistakes on, potentially frustrating beginners
Focuses on coloring specific bird species, which may not appeal to learners interested in drawing other subjects or developing broader artistic skills

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Reviews summary

Bird art with pastel pencils

According to students, this course is a highly enjoyable and effective way to learn how to draw birds using pastel pencils. Learners frequently praise the clear, step-by-step video instruction provided by the instructor. Many reviewers were delighted with the results they achieved, often producing artwork they were proud to display. While the course specifies particular pastel pencil brands and paper types, students note that the instructor explains how to adapt using different materials. The focus is exclusively on drawing various bird species, which is perfect for those interested in this specific subject.
Concentrates solely on drawing birds.
"If you love drawing birds, this course is perfect as it focuses only on different species."
"I was looking specifically to improve my bird drawing skills, and this course delivered exactly that."
"Great if you want to specialize in avian subjects using pastels."
Course uses specific pastel pencils/paper.
"The course specifies certain brands and colours of pastel pencils, which was helpful to know."
"It requires dark grey pastel paper like PastelMat, which is different from what I usually use."
"While specific materials are recommended, the instructor gives guidance on alternatives."
Students are pleased with their artwork.
"I never thought I could draw birds like this! I'm so proud of the finished pictures."
"The techniques taught really helped me create beautiful bird portraits."
"I was amazed at the quality of the art I was able to produce after taking this course."
Step-by-step videos are easy to follow.
"The instructor explained everything very clearly, making it easy to follow along even complex steps."
"I loved the step-by-step videos; it felt like he was right there guiding me."
"The instructions were very detailed and easy to understand for a beginner like me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ultimate Bird Coloring Course - Learn to Draw AMAZING Birds with these activities:
Practice Blending Techniques
Practice blending pastel pencils to achieve smooth transitions and realistic color gradients in your bird drawings.
Show steps
  • Gather pastel pencils and paper.
  • Apply two colors side-by-side.
  • Use a blending stump or finger to blend.
  • Repeat with different color combinations.
Create a Pastel Color Chart
Organize and document your pastel pencil collection to easily identify and select colors for your bird drawings.
Show steps
  • Gather all your pastel pencils.
  • Create a grid on a sheet of paper.
  • Apply each pastel color to a square in the grid.
  • Label each color with its name and number.
Review 'Drawing Birds' by John Muir Laws
Study bird anatomy and drawing techniques to improve the accuracy and realism of your pastel bird portraits.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds'.
  • Study the sections on bird anatomy and proportions.
  • Practice sketching birds using the book's guidance.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore 'Birds: An Artist's Coloring Book'
Use a bird-themed coloring book to practice color selection and blending techniques with pastel pencils.
View Pro ptits i zverey on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase a bird-themed coloring book.
  • Select a page with a bird illustration.
  • Use pastel pencils to color the illustration.
  • Experiment with different color combinations and blending techniques.
Draw a Bird from a Reference Photo
Apply the techniques learned in the course to create a complete pastel drawing of a bird from a reference photograph.
Show steps
  • Select a reference photo of a bird.
  • Create a basic outline of the bird.
  • Apply layers of pastel to build up color and detail.
  • Blend the colors to create smooth transitions.
  • Add final details and highlights.
Share Your Bird Drawings Online
Share your artwork and receive feedback from other artists to improve your skills and gain inspiration.
Show steps
  • Photograph your finished bird drawings.
  • Create an account on an online art platform.
  • Upload your drawings and share them with the community.
  • Engage with other artists and provide feedback.
Watch Advanced Pastel Tutorials
Learn advanced techniques from experienced pastel artists to further refine your skills and explore new approaches.
Show steps
  • Search for advanced pastel drawing tutorials online.
  • Select tutorials that focus on specific techniques.
  • Follow along with the tutorials and practice the techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete Ultimate Bird Coloring Course - Learn to Draw AMAZING Birds will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Hobbyist Artist
Hobbyist artists create art for personal enjoyment and self-expression, without necessarily pursuing a professional career. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course is perfectly suited for hobbyists. You will learn to paint birds using pastel pencils. The course offers step by step instruction. You'll learn techniques behind drawing beautiful bird pictures and create pictures you can be proud of. This course will encourage you to pursue drawing and painting bird portraits. This may be a good creative outlet for you to follow.
Wildlife Artist
A wildlife artist specializes in creating art that features animals and their natural habitats. This art can take many forms, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and digital art. Learning to draw amazing birds is a great start for becoming a wildlife artist. This course helps you learn to paint incredible bird pictures using pastel pencils, a medium praised for its accessibility. By mastering the techniques taught in this course, such as blending and layering with pastel pencils, you build a foundation for portraying wildlife with accuracy and artistic flair. The course also provides you with colour charts to help you compare and replicate colours effectively, which is essential for capturing the vibrant hues found in nature.
Pet Portrait Artist
Pet portrait artists specialize in creating portraits of animals, often commissioned by pet owners. While this course focuses on birds, the techniques learned readily translate to other animals. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course teaches you how to paint detailed and lifelike bird portraits using pastel pencils. The course offers step by step instruction on how to draw each stage, which can be helpful to a career as a pet portrait artist.
Scientific Illustrator
Scientific illustrators create detailed and accurate drawings or paintings of natural subjects for use in scientific publications, museums, and educational materials. These images often require a high level of precision and anatomical knowledge. If you are interested in becoming a scientific illustrator, this course may be highly useful. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course teaches you how to paint amazing bird pictures. The course provides step by step instruction. You'll learn techniques behind drawing beautiful bird pictures to create pictures you can be proud of. The course will help build a foundation in capturing the intricate details of avian subjects.
Illustrator
Illustrators create images for a variety of media, including books, magazines, and websites. They work closely with clients to bring their ideas to life through visual art. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course may be particularly useful to those who want to improve their skill in drawing birds. You will learn to paint amazing bird pictures using pastel pencils. This course provides step by step instruction on how to draw each stage. You will learn techniques behind drawing beautiful bird pictures to create pictures you can be proud of. Such instruction may be beneficial to a career as an illustrator.
Children's Book Illustrator
Children's book illustrators create the visual elements of children's books, working closely with authors to bring stories to life through engaging and imaginative artwork. Often these illustrations include images of animals. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course may be useful to those looking to improve their skills in this area. You will learn to paint amazing bird pictures using pastel pencils. This course provides step by step instruction on how to draw each stage. Such instruction may be beneficial to a career as a children's book illustrator.
Greeting Card Designer
Greeting card designers create visual designs and layouts for greeting cards, often incorporating illustrations, typography, and other graphic elements. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course would be particularly useful because the course teaches you how to paint bird pictures using pastel pencils. It may be a great way to gain experience in greeting card design. This course helps you learn techniques to be able to paint these incredible bird pictures. When you're finished, you'll have the skills to be able to paint your own bird pictures too.
Art teacher
Art teachers educate students of all ages in various art techniques and concepts. They develop lesson plans, provide instruction, and assess student progress. This course may be helpful for current or aspiring art teachers looking to expand their skillset. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course may be particularly useful since it provides lessons on how to paint bird pictures, with step by step instruction on how to draw each stage. The course teaches techniques behind drawing beautiful bird pictures to create pictures you can be proud of. Such instruction may be beneficial to a career as an art teacher when instruction students.
Textile Designer
Textile designers create patterns and designs for fabrics used in clothing, upholstery, and other products. They need a strong understanding of color theory, pattern design, and manufacturing processes. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course may be beneficial to those who want to improve their skill in design since it provides instruction on drawing stunning bird pictures using pastel pencils. The course offers a guide to blending and layering techniques, which are crucial for creating visually appealing textile designs. It also familiarizes you with various pastel pencil brands and colors, expanding your creative palette.
Surface Pattern Designer
Surface pattern designers create repeating patterns for various surfaces, such as wallpaper, fabric, and product packaging. These designers require a strong sense of color, composition, and pattern development. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course may be beneficial. The course provides instruction on how to draw bird pictures using pastel pencils. By familiarizing yourself with different pastel pencil brands and colors, you expand your artistic toolkit and gain a deeper understanding of color relationships. The course also touches on blending and layering techniques.
Muralist
Muralists design and create large-scale artwork directly on walls or other surfaces, often in public spaces. They need to be skilled in various painting techniques and have a strong understanding of composition and design. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course may be a worthwhile investment for a muralist. You will learn to paint amazing bird pictures using pastel pencils. This course provides step by step instruction on how to draw each stage, which can be helpful to a career as a muralist.
Exhibition Designer
Exhibition designers plan and create displays for museums, galleries, and other exhibition spaces. They work to create visually engaging and informative experiences for visitors. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course may be helpful. The course teaches you how to paint birds using pastel pencils. Learning to create captivating bird images enhances your ability to incorporate natural elements into exhibition designs. The course also provides you with a deeper understanding of color theory and composition.
Art Director
Art directors are in charge of the visual style and images for a variety of projects, like film and video productions. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course may be useful to those looking to improve their skills in art. You will learn to paint amazing bird pictures using pastel pencils. This course provides step by step instruction on how to draw each stage. The course teaches techniques behind drawing beautiful bird pictures to create pictures you can be proud of.
Art Restorer
Art restorers work to preserve and repair damaged or aged artwork. This role often requires a deep understanding of art history, materials, and techniques. The Ultimate Bird Coloring Course may be particularly useful because the course teaches you how to paint bird pictures using pastel pencils. This experience may provide insights into the creation and potential degradation of pastel-based artwork. The course provides step by step instruction, which may be helpful to a career as an art restorer.
Nature Photographer
Nature photographers capture images of the natural world, including landscapes, wildlife, and plants. While photography relies on capturing existing scenes, understanding artistic principles enhances composition and storytelling. While the Ultimate Bird Coloring Course teaches drawing and painting, the skills acquired may be applicable to photography. The course helps you gain a deeper understanding of color, form, and detail. By learning to recreate the beauty of birds through pastel pencils, you sharpen your observational skills and develop an eye for capturing the essence of nature.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ultimate Bird Coloring Course - Learn to Draw AMAZING Birds.
Provides a comprehensive guide to drawing birds, covering anatomy, proportions, and techniques for capturing their unique characteristics. It valuable resource for understanding bird structure and translating it into accurate and expressive drawings. While not specific to pastels, the foundational drawing skills are essential. This book is more valuable as additional reading to deepen understanding.
This coloring book features a variety of bird illustrations that can be used as a starting point for practicing pastel techniques and color combinations. It provides a low-pressure way to experiment with different approaches and develop your own style. is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference, and is best used for practice.

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