Please join us at the Bushwick Inlet Park Community Center for an afternoon of drawing and painting with watercolors.

Some birds live in New York City year-round while others migrate here just for the winter. Join Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park in the Park community center for a relaxed, adult-focused program that blends fascinating bird science with an encouraging, hands-on drawing & watercolor lesson.

This class will cover the basics of observing and drawing birds and how to transform sketches into a finished watercolor painting. Through a series of short, follow-along demonstrations, skills will be introduced which are useful for sketching from nature, keeping a nature journal, or beginning a more in-depth watercolor practice focused on birds.

Scientific illustrator Monica Schroeder will guide you through:

• Sketching birds in multiple positions

• A brief, artist-friendly overview of bird anatomy

• Watercolor fundamentals and brush techniques

• Using color (instead of black) to create light and shadow

• The "mother color" technique for a more natural, cohesive look

After the guided lesson, there will be time to work on your own individual project with personalized support.

Adults and teens (accompanied by an adult) are welcome.

All materials are provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own supplies if preferred.

Materials include:

• Watercolor paints, palettes, and brushes

• Watercolor and/or mixed-media paper

• Drawing tools

Some printed reference materials will be provided or bring your own pictures to paint if desired. Imaginary birds welcome also!