Visual Art

Dynamic Bird Portraits: Expressive Drawing & Painting Techniques

From: £60.00

Saturday 8th November

10aM to 4.00PM

Unleash your creativity in this one-day workshop, where you’ll learn to draw and paint realistic UK birds with confidence and expression. Guided by expert instruction from Ailsa Mackay, you’ll explore easy-to-follow drawing techniques, develop dynamic brushwork, and use bold, expressive watercolour painting to bring your bird portraits to life.

Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this workshop will help you build essential skills, boost your confidence, and inspire you to create beautiful and lively bird artwork.

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Description

Unleash your creativity in this one-day workshop, where you’ll learn to draw and paint realistic UK birds with confidence and expression. Guided by expert instruction, you’ll explore easy-to-follow drawing techniques, develop dynamic brushwork, and use bold, expressive watercolour painting to bring your bird portraits to life.

Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this workshop will help you build essential skills, boost your confidence, and inspire you to create beautiful and lively bird artwork.

What to Expect:

The day will be structured into a series of fun and engaging exercises designed to help you build skills step by step:

Morning Session: Mastering Bird Drawing

Step-by-Step Bird Sketching – Follow a guided step-by-step demonstration to break down bird anatomy into simple shapes.
Practice & Personal Exploration – Using your newly learned skills, you’ll have time to sketch with one-on-one feedback and guidance throughout.

Afternoon Session: Expressive Watercolour Techniques

Watercolour Demonstration – Learn quick and expressive watercolour techniques, focusing on bold, loose brushstrokes. Get an overview of materials, colour mixing, and how to create dynamic effects with watercolour.
Using your sketches, you’ll apply expressive painting techniques to create a vibrant and lively bird portrait.
Time to Reflect & Connect – Enjoy a relaxed, supportive environment, with time to discuss your work with fellow participants and appreciate everyone’s unique artistic approach.

Why join?

Learn Simple, Effective Techniques – No complicated theories! Just easy-to-follow steps that will help you draw and paint birds with confidence.
Build Your Artistic Confidence – This workshop is designed to help you loosen up, overcome creative blocks, and trust your instincts when drawing and painting.
Experiment with Expressive Watercolour Painting – Discover how to use bold brushstrokes and vibrant colours to bring movement and life to your bird portraits.
Relax & Enjoy the Process – Immerse yourself in a calm and welcoming space, perfect for reducing stress, boosting creativity, and simply having fun with art.
Meet Like-Minded People – Share the experience with fellow art lovers in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere.
By the end of the day, you’ll leave feeling inspired, accomplished, and excited to continue your artistic journey!

Spaces are limited – book now and take flight with your creativity!

Your Tutor

Ailsa Mackay

A graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, I have dedicated over 30 years to a professional career as an artist and designer. My creative journey has spanned a wide range of disciplines—from fashion and home décor to interior and stationery design—with my designs sold and licensed internationally, including in the UK, USA, Germany, and Australia. Alongside commercial work, I have consistently developed and exhibited original artworks, with paintings and prints held in private collections both across the UK and overseas.

My artistic practice is rooted in a bold, expressive style that reflects my background in design. Working primarily in acrylic, gouache, and soft pastels, I draw inspiration from the natural world and the nuances of everyday life. Each piece is a dynamic exploration of colour, texture, and form—seeking to capture moments of vitality and reflection.

Now based in Scotland after many years working in the south of England, I continue to balance creative practice with education and public engagement. As an experienced art educator, I teach foundational drawing and painting skills to learners of all levels, encouraging confidence and curiosity through accessible, skills-based learning.

I am currently acting of Chair DG Unlimited (Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of the Arts) and sit on the Artists of Shambellie House Steering Group. My commitment to the wider impact of the arts also extends into research and policy. In my role as Lead for the National Centre for Resilience—a scientific centre focused on community preparedness for natural hazards and climate change—I champion creative methods as a means of strengthening personal and collective wellbeing.

This cross-sector work has included co-authoring research on community resilience and supporting young people with additional needs.

My work has been exhibited widely throughout the UK, with recent exhibitions including Shambellie House in New Abbey. I continue to pursue opportunities for collaboration, exhibition, and engagement that sit at the intersection of art, education, and wellbeing.

About the Day

Workshop Details:

Date: 8th November 2025

Time: 10 AM – 4 PM

Includes: Refreshments, tea, coffee, and plenty of cake!

Location & Accessibility:

This workshop will take place indoors in the Gallery. Please note that the Gallery is located on the second floor and is only accessible via stairs. If you have any access requirements, let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

What You’ll Learn:

How to draw birds using basic shapes and step-by-step guidelines
Watercolour basics – washes, wet-on-wet, and dry brush techniques
Essential colour mixing skills for a limited palette
Expressive brushwork to loosen up and build confidence
How to create bold, dynamic bird portraits with movement and life

What You’ll Create:

A collection of quick bird sketches for reference and practice
A final expressive watercolour painting of a bird of your choice
By the end of the day, you’ll feel more confident in your drawing and painting abilities, inspired to experiment, and ready to continue developing your unique artistic style.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop offers a fun, relaxed, and supportive environment to learn and create.

Kit and Requirements

There is an additional charge of £15 per person for all materials.