In this article I paint a cute green heron after having received a photo of the bird from my daughter in Northern California. She lives on a lake and I live near the water, too, so we have lots of beautiful water birds to inspire us!
Green Heron on a Rock watercolor on paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Some of the things you will learn from this workshop include:
how to copy an image onto watercolor paper with an outliner and transfer paper;
how to use watercolor paints from both tubes and a half-pan travel set;
loosening up with watercolor splashes on paper before starting to paint for an exciting background;
tricks for mixing progressively dark colors for multiple painting layers;
2 types of white paint to add last for feather highlights;
and more…
“Great Blue Heron on the Dock” watercolor painting on paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Water Birds in Watercolor Painting Workshop Video Replay
Below is the full video workshop of my Live painting session. The paints, surfaces and accessories used in the video are listed afterwards in this article. Enjoy! 🎨
Here are the video timeline sections if you want to jump to a particular part of the live session:
0:00:00 - Intro To Water Bird Painting
Here are the reference images of the Green Heron and Outliner:
Image for personal use only. (c) 2026 Devon Elmes
Here are links to the 2 artists I mentioned during the live class:
https://www.instagram.com/landonfrakerart/ https://www.youtube.com/@linewashbirb1
Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions in the comments below. Thanks for watching! 😍
Van Gogh Watercolor paints from the project.
Supplies List for Water Birds in Watercolor Painting Workshop
The Schmincke Horadam Watercolors I used from the tube during the workshop were:
Indigo #485 (PB15:1, PB66)
Transparent Sienna #653 (PR101)
Yellow Orange #222 (PY110)
Perylene Green #784 (PBk31)
The Van Gogh watercolor I used from the tube was:
Quinacridone Rose #366 (PV19)
Here are links to the book and supplies list for the papers, paints and accessories shown during the video. As a Blick Affiliate and Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases for links below that lead to Blick Art Materials or Amazon.
Book: DK Artist's Watercolor Techniques Hardcover (2024) - https://amzn.to/4atsuwE
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Van Gogh Watercolor Pocket Box Travel Set 12 + 3 Half Pans - https://amzn.to/3NEFRRJ
Van Gogh Watercolor Paints 10ml Tubes on Blick - https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fvan-gogh-watercolors%2F
Schmincke Watercolor Tubes and Pans on Blick - https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fschmincke-horadam-aquarell-artist-watercolor-paints%2F
Dr PH Martins Bleedproof White 1oz Jar - https://amzn.to/4s6PTtw
Faber Castell Gordfaber Aqua Watercolor Pencils Set of 12 in Tin - https://amzn.to/3MuMiql
Saral Transfer Paper Sampler Pack 8.5x11in 5 Sheets - https://amzn.to/3MKvont
Jack Richeson Large Transfer Paper Roll - https://amzn.to/4axz9G9
Canson XL Watercolor Paper Cold Press 140lb 9x12in 30 Sheets Spiral Bound - https://amzn.to/4rp0v6P
Caeluvia Watercolor Paper Pad Cold Press 100% Cotton 140lb 9x12in 30 Sheets - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F99QTVSS?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.PNO75IMSJWI7&linkCode=tr1&tag=dietzart-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.PNO75IMSJWI7_1771823737172
Fuumuui Hardbound Spiral Notebook 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper 140lb 20 Sheets and Fuumuui Watercolor Paper Block 100% Cotton 140lb 22 Sheets - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNVGZ1DB?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.GBWJX4WGWFGV&linkCode=tr1&tag=dietzart-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.GBWJX4WGWFGV_1768799189548
Watercolor Block Leaf Opener - https://amzn.to/4bcfxIt
Artify Squirrel Quill Brush Set of 3 - https://amzn.to/40aBOQd
Fuumuui Professional Series 10 Brush Set - https://amzn.to/3ZcuzXj
Fuumuui Needle Point Brush Set - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS25XCTS?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.10FLIQNKEH13M&linkCode=tr1&tag=dietzart-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.10FLIQNKEH13M_1771823647987
White Ceramic Palette Tray 10x5in - https://amzn.to/4ayFCAA
Faber Castell Collapsible Tulip Edge Brush Holder Water Cup - https://amzn.to/3Pxxyon
General's The Master's Brush Soap 2.5oz Jar - https://amzn.to/49k2Jgq
General's The Master's Brush Soap 24oz Tub - https://amzn.to/49k2Qsm
Wood Brush Rest Stand Set of 2 Holds 4 Brushes Each - https://amzn.to/3OrurOi
My Recommended Cloth-Like Viva Paper Towels 3 Double Rolls - https://amzn.to/3EPZhOW
🎨🎨🎨
Note that most of the list of supplies above can be found on the Blick Art Materials website and shipping is generally free for orders of $79 or more. Check them out here:
https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2F
************************************If you would like to see other paints, mediums and art supplies that I recommend, click below to go to the Supply Links page on my website:
https://www.dietzart.gallery/supply-links
Or, check out art supply recommendations on my Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
https://www.amazon.com/shop/tristinadietzelmes
“Ring Necked Duck in Flight” watercolor on paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes.
FREE Live Art Lessons Sunday Afternoons
SUNDAY afternoons I teach a FREE ART LESSON simulcast on YouTube Live and on the WhatNot auction platform followed by a giveaway and sale of my handmade artworks, gift items and some art supplies on WhatNot. You can follow the QR code appearing in the YouTube video or follow the Invite link in the video description to join me on WhatNot for some great Live Auction Art & Gifts deals.
If you're new to Whatnot, sign up with the following link and get $15 in Whatnot credit to use to shop on the platform:
https://www.whatnot.com/invite/tristi...
I hope you'll join me and the thriving Artisan community over on WhatNot soon!
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Happy Arting! 🎉