The song of birds

The course includes readings from a selection of poems and naturalist texts. These will serve as inspiration for developing a visual path made up of pencil sketches and notes—kept in a sketchbook or sketchpad—through both iconographic research (books and web) and personal reflection.

From this material, students will create one or more illustrations that symbolically and expressively represent the chosen bird—or birds—from a selection provided.
The teacher will offer one-on-one guidance throughout the creative process, from concept and sketch to composition and final execution.

Technical art materials are the responsibility of the participant.

• Sketchpad or sketchbook (minimum A4 size)
• Graphite pencils of various hardness (HB, 4B, 7B or 8B)
• High-quality watercolors (e.g., Winsor & Newton)
• Watercolor paper, 300 gsm satin finish: pad or large sheets to cut (minimum A4 size)
• 4 round-tipped brushes for watercolor (natural or high-quality synthetic):
  one small (size 2)
  one large (approx. size 20)
  two medium (sizes 4 and 8/10)
• Optional: flat brushes for backgrounds

• Kneaded eraser
• Pencil sharpener
• Masking tape to secure the paper
• Wooden or plexiglass board to fix the paper
• Water container

Alternative techniques: advanced students wishing to work in other media should contact the teacher in advance.

It is also recommended to bring a palette (or small plates) for mixing colors and a cloth for drying brushes.