Birds at El Charco del Ingenio

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(Secretary bird by Randy Raak, graphite on paper)

El Charco del Ingenio is a bird watcher’s paradise, but drawing birds can be a challenge. This course will cover the basics of drawing birds using graphite on paper. The students will learn fundamental drawing skills to develop accurate renderings of birds both at rest and in flight. Students will learn to sketch quickly and accurately through field studies. The direct live observation is essential in adding a dynamic feeling to an otherwise static image done from a photographic reference.Sketching from multiple reference photos will also be explained as another exercise in familiarizing the student with basic bird anatomy. The goal of this course is to produce a finished graphite drawing. It may depict anything from an impressionistic rendering of a hawk in flight to a detailed photo-realistic portrait of one’s favorite songbird.
Randall Raak has been interested in the natural sciences since his childhood. The lakes, rivers and forests of Minnesota where he grew up became an inspiration for his developing artistic talent. For most of his life, Randy has been a commercial artist and sculptor. Randy recently completed the Botanical Illustration Certification program at Denver Botanic Gardens. His art has been included in numerous juried national shows featuring both botanical and ornithological works. He also does plein air and portrait painting. To see more examples of Randy’s work, please visit his website by clicking here.To get more information and register for this illustration class, please click here.Denver Botanic Gradens' Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration (http://www.botanicgardens.org/pageinpage/botanicalillustration.cfm)