art workshops, art events, Bird paintings, bird art sue gardner art workshops, art events, Bird paintings, bird art sue gardner

Painting workshops Leicestershire

Look at this wonderful forest of owls, created by students at my recent Owl painting workshop day at St Helens Heritage Centre in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire. Believe it or not, this was the first time that half of the group had picked up a paintbrush!

The venue at Ashby is a lovely one, a brand-new building with lovely facilities and french windows leading out to a beautiful garden. This unique building stands at a site of historical significance, as evidenced in the wall displays throughout detailing the links to Ashby’s heritage and honouring some of the historical people. This was the site of a medieval vicarage, although there are archaeological finds going back to the Stone Age

We always enjoy the painting days at St Helen’s, and I have organised some more for next year, including a two-day course on painting hares. Gift vouchers for the workshops are available to buy online for instant download. here

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New Owl Painting

A Process Photograph of my Tawny Owl Painting

A small new Owl painting in progress, just a few adjustments to go. This piece is acrylics and 45 X 60 cm. I want to soften the top right foliage area and around the eyes without disturbing the colour scheme which I'm liking a lot.

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Revisiting an owl theme

Astronomer - an Owl Painting with a Starry Sky Background

Astronomer - an Owl Painting with a Starry Sky Background

Today I revisited an owl that I have painted before , I wanted to use the same idea but really push the sky and the lighting effects more, to make this painting more like it was in my mind. I have a couple of alterations to make, and then we'll see if I managed to do what I set out to do this morning ☺️ Many artists won't paint the same scene twice, but I actually often do and I enjoy seeing which bits I can change or improve.

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Little Grouse

I am using a new painting technique to create a grouse oil painting.

oil painting with colourful grouse

I can’t believe this sweet guy is my first-ever grouse! I’m using a new technique that I have adopted recently for smaller details. Because I cannot really see well enough to paint in the old way, instead, I put the paint down in the general vicinity and then push it into place with a dry brush. I took a video of me doing a few last bits in this way, yesterday, it is nice because sometimes you do need a little bit of detail.

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Painting Birds - art workshop

A Wonderful Art Retreat, Painting Colourful Woodland Birds

What a lovely weekend spent painting with such a nice group of artists! Sharpe's Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust We were very nicely catered for by Sweet Caroline on both days with a super buffet, and toasties. And of course, there was plenty of cake - artists need to keep their strength up after all. We tried a variety of different acrylic painting techniques. The group all have different levels of expertise in different media so it was a really interesting weekend. Everyone got on really well and gave help, support and encouragement to one another. There was a lot of laughter and joking around, and everyone ended up producing 3 beautiful small paintings (apart from John who was on a roll on day 2 and painted two or three more!) Everyone took a paint kit home with them so they can carry on painting straightaway. I'm hoping they will keep in touch, and show me the results.

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Painting Birds - Workshop next weekend!

Im getting really excited about this now! This will be my first 2 day painting weekend workshop and Im holding it at Sharpes Pottery Museum, one of my favourite venues! This week I will be sourcing as many lovely woodland bird reference images as I can find, so that there is plenty of choice. Each guest will get the chance to paint three small bird canvases over the weekend. We will explore the shaped and markings and habitat of the birds themselves, and place them into beautiful light filled woodland settings from our imagination.

There is still time to join us - information on booking here.

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A Heron's Graceful Flight: An Artistic Interpretation of Nature's Elegance

a large heron painting

Experience the majesty of a heron in flight.

As part of a new series inspired by birds in flight, I will be offering a few paintings of herons for sale in the upcoming year. The largest piece in the collection is an original oil painting titled "Positive Rate," which measures 100 x 120 cm. To add texture and intricate details, I used a palette knife in the creation of this stunning piece in a fresh palette of dark teal and sea green.

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Barn Owl oil paintings

Barn Owl in Flight, Oil Painting inspired by the photography of Frances Crickmore


Original Barn Owl Paintings for Sale - One-of-a-Kind Artwork

Looking for unique artwork to add to your collection? Check out our original barn owl paintings for sale. Each piece is one of a kind and sure to make a statement in any room.

Discover the Beauty of Barn Owls.

My original barn owl paintings for sale are the perfect way to bring the beauty of these majestic birds into your home. Each painting is a unique work of art, capturing the intricate details and stunning colours of the barn owl. Whether you're a collector or simply looking for a beautiful piece of art to display, my barn owl paintings are a unique choice. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a one-off piece of artwork.

This first piece has light-reflecting particles alongside beautiful colours, texture and movement.

This painting was sold on its first day of the exhibition at White Dove Gallery

Please see my ‘Originals’ page for my very latest available Owl oil paintings.

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My new Tawny Owl painting

Tawny Owl

This Tawny Owl painting is the latest addition to my collection, and I must say, owls are one of my favourite subjects to paint. Their unique features and mysterious aura make for a captivating piece of art. Take a closer look and see for yourself! I have used deep teal and sage green for the background of this painting. I still need to add a couple of details and blend areas. I will hang the painting up on the wall at home for a while until he is dry enough to add the final tweaks.

Update* This owl painting is now sold, I have some newly released bird pieces on the website here.

If you are looking for an owl print on canvas, I have a selection here Owl Prints

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Painting colourful birds in oil!

Here are some bird paintings in various stages of progress over the past month. This is a lovely project for a publishing company and its making me feel like Spring is finally here too!Once finished all of the original small oil paintings will be for sal

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New Bird Paintings!

I had a lovely afternoon making progress on these new kingfisher oil paintings. This morning I was at the hospital early for an echocardiagram. Happily it seems my heart has gone back to its normal size😊

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painting of two kingfisher birds

This week I am enjoying creating new bird paintings in oil. These are two Kingfishers who will be available on my website soon. These are some of my favourite birds to paint because of their colours.

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Painting a pair of Puffins!

puffin painting in progress sue gardner.jpg

We are really missing our trips to the beach in Somerset with the dogs this year, so Im certainly enjoying painting this little pair by the sea! There is every chance that I will create a coastal series of pieces this Autumn to help me satisfy my craving for the sea air and the noisy waves!

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