Warm up - Becoming raven

In this exercise, we will do some fast, loose sketches in charcoal, with the aim of understanding a bit more about raven anatomy, raven movement. As you are working, imagine what it might feel like to have wings coming from your shoulder blades, instead of (or in addition to, arms) - feel the wind under your feathers, how the muscles feel as you stretch your wings. Take a few moments to become a raven.

Lesson 1 - graphite study

In this graphite study, we are going to take some time to really observe the intricacies of a raven’s form and structure. How do the feathers orientate around the body? How are the feathers different depending on their function? How does the light play on a black glossy bird? How can we honor this in a realistic representation?

lesson 2 - raven & walnut

Gregarious and mischievous, raven likes to play! Using a reference that immediately made me smile, we will create a small portrait in watercolour and colored pencil to delight in raven’s trixter nature.

Lesson 3 - THE RAVEN, THE PEARL & THE KEY

Inspired by my love of fantasy art, and a desire to honor my subjects realistically, we will create a painting in watercolor, colored pencil and gold leaf that, with a few fantastical elements turns a lovely reference into something extraordinary.

Bonus lesson - CANDLE SMOKE RAVEN

Using the reference we studied in Becoming Raven, we will create some miniature raven treasures - I have used jewelry trays, but any small substrate will work beautifully such as small wood slices, mini canvases or even smooth rocks! Paying homage to the mystical nature of raven, in this short exercise we will take what we have learned about raven’s movements, and have them manifest from the smoke of a candle for a bit of fun.

What will you learn in this class?

Absorbing ourselves in the study of our non-human kin fosters a deep connection with the magic of the everyday. We often take for granted the enchanting intricacy of the creatures we see around us. The class is an opportunity to sit, breathe, and connect with raven - and have fun in the process! Diving deep into one subject, to be inspired by, learn from and honour that subject, is a beautiful and gentle way to open the door to further inspiration, to set your dreams alight, and to be reminded that not only is there magic all around you, but that you too, dear one, are magic.

This class is for all creatives. I will walk you through each project step by step, spend time talking about process, persistence and patience, and guide you through becoming raven. It is an opportunity to develop your drawing and observation skills, as well as become entranced by detail, explore loose movement sketches, and play with watercolour, coloured pencil, graphite and gold leaf.

This class is for anyone with a sense of adventure and a willingness to try new things!

Supply List

I have listed the supplies I used throughout the class here, but I want to note that it is not these specific supplies that create magic - that, dear one, comes from you! The supplies you have on hand will be absolutely perfect, I promise!

Mediums Used:     

• Graphite pencils

• Charcoal pencils

• Gesso

• Watercolor ground (if using a wood panel)

• Colored pencils

• Watercolor paints

• Imitation Gold Leaf and sizing

Substrates:

• Journal or repurposed book

• Watercolor paper

• Wood panel

• Miniature substrate - jewelry trays, wood slices, rocks or similar