Theme:

Paint like nature:

light, water, and patience.

Goal:

Each student finishes a simple gator or spoonbill other nature scene they're proud to frame.

"I never paint alone—I paint with God. And I always remember to give Him room for the happy little accidents, then turn them into something else." - Dr. Susan Duve, aka "Dr. Q"

 

 

REMEMBER: To observe real birds and nature, then paint what you notice. This is a calm, creative class—there's no "perfect," just practice and progress.

Set-Up

Remember: When we paint in nature, we're painting what God already perfected—our job is just to notice.

We are using water to move color. Watercolor is about light first, then layers.  

Materials check: paper, pencil, paint, 2 water cups, tissue, big + small brush.

Demo Part 1: 5 Brush Strokes (3 -5 minutes)

On your demo paper, practice each quickly (10–20 seconds each).

1. Wash (big sky/water)

Hint: Big brush, lots of water, gentle.

2. Flat Wash (even color block)

Hint: Same wetness = smooth.

3. Gradient Wash (dark to light)

Hint: Start strong, add more water as you go.

4. Dry Brush (texture)

Hint: Tiny water = scratchy texture (gator skin/grass).

5. Stipple/Dabbing (dots/fluff)

Hint: Tap-tap for feathers and speckles.

Quick rule: If you want it sharp, use less water. If you want it soft, use more.

Part 2: The "Frame-Worthy Recipe" 

Every great painting has: 1) Big shape, 2) Background, 3) Shadow, 4) One wow detail.

Now practice a 10-second example of:

• a big shape,
• a light background wash,
• one shadow line,
• one tiny eye highlight.

Painting Time 

Option A: Gator (Swamp Friend)

Step-by-step try to remember these things as you paint:

1. Light pencil: head + long body + tail.
2. Background wash first—keep it pale.
3. Paint the gator in one smooth layer.
4. Stop. Let it dry. Tissue time if puddles.
5. Dry brush bumps on the back.
6. Add a shadow under the belly.
7. Tiny eye + little shine = alive.

Option B: Roseate Spoonbill (Pink Wonder)

Step-by-step try to remember while you paint:

1. Light pencil: teardrop body + S-neck + spoon beak.
2. Soft background wash—very light.
3. Light pink wash for the bird.
4. Stop. Let it dry.
5. Add brighter coral/pink on wings.
6. Dab feathers on wings.
7. Thin legs + beak last.

Dry Time Test

While waiting for drying:

"Remember what Bob Ross was famous for: "There are no mistakes, only happy accidents."  If the paint bleeds or spreads in a surprising way, look at it—it might be exactly what your painting needed.

Test it: Hold your paper up—if it's shiny, it's wet. If it's not shiny, it's ready.

Quick Gallery & Celebrate 

Let's See: Hold your painting up. Compliment one thing about your own work and take this seriously....watercolors are tough to control and work with, and you did it!

REMEMBER TO COMPLIMENT YOURSELF: 'I love your background wash' or 'Great feather dabs.'  That's it!  Nice Work!

Rescue Tricks (use anytime for anything)

• Too dark? Blot with tissue (lift highlight).
• Muddy colors? Rinse brush, use clean water cup, let it dry, paint on top.
• Bleeding edges? Pause—dry first.
• Paper warping? Use less water; keep puddles off.

Clean-Up 

• Rinse brushes gently.
• Close paints.
• Put names on the back.
• Leave paintings flat to dry.

Closing 

REMEMBER: Nature is the artist—watercolor just helps us show it.

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Want to bring this lesson to your classroom or homeschool group? Check out our Watercolor To Go Kits and nature-inspired art supplies designed for young artists.