ONLINE: Sam Paonessa: Acrylic or Oil: Red Wing Blackbird

**ONLINE WORKSHOP**
Red Wing Blackbird

3 HOURS ONLINE WITH ZOOM APP: THURSDAY Workshop

• Subject: Red Wing Blackbird
  
• Medium: Acrylic or Oil
  
• Levels: All
  
• Registration:
  - Members: $30.00
  - Non-members: $45.00
  
  

The Red-winged Blackbird has a striking appearance especially in it's wetland habitat. It is known as a passerine which means its a perching bird. The dull shimmer of light reflecting on the water creates a dynamic contrast with the handsome subject. The painting process in this exercise is working back to front so the water will be painted first. Once the background water is dry a careful drawing of the bird is done. Try to get accurate proportions.

Oil painters may have a disadvantage since layers need to be quite dry to continue. *Tip: Keep layers thin by rubbing in colour with a rag and a little mineral spirit.

The bird is now painted. Look for light on the black head and body on the bird to convey a sense of form. The photo may not provide this information clearly so this is where we use our creative sense or license.

The branches are next. It is important to paint the branches in a range of tonal values and edge quality to achieve a greater sense of depth. Notice there are some branches more blurred than others. The foreground branches should be harder edged and contain the most detail and texture.

About the Artist

Sam Paonessa AOCA, OSA is a graduate from the Ontario College of Art in Toronto. His career as a professional artist spanned over 30 years with Hallmark Cards.
During that period Sam traveled and painted plein air landscapes in North America, Italy and Morocco. As an active member of the Ontario Society of Artists, he has been sharing his valuable experience gaining recognition as an accomplished painting workshop instructor for numerous art groups across Ontario.