{"id":31283,"date":"2019-06-17T14:24:59","date_gmt":"2019-06-17T14:24:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=31283"},"modified":"2026-04-03T17:45:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T17:45:52","slug":"3-little-birds-with-colored-pencils-kingfisher-with-prismacolor-pencils","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/3-little-birds-with-colored-pencils-kingfisher-with-prismacolor-pencils","title":{"rendered":"3 Little Birds with Colored Pencils &#8211; Kingfisher with Prismacolor Pencils"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1><span>3 Little Birds with Colored Pencils:<\/span> Kingfisher with Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"insertbackground\">\n<div class=\"removep\">\n<div class=\"videoflexwrapper\">\n<div class=\"videotop\">\n  <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/360336779\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebartop\">\n<div class=\"vertalign\">\n<div class=\"logoimage\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logosmall75.png\"><\/div>\n<p>\n    <div class=\"sidebarcarddescriptiondark\">\n<span>JOIN THE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR<\/span><br>\n    Get ALL of our courses, ebooks, live lessons, critiques, lesson plans and more today.\n<\/div>\n    <\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebarbuttonholder\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttonsmem\">START FREE TRIAL<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<hr style=\"background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:1.5em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/register-3-little-birds\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttons\">BUY COURSE $57<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperkscontainer\">\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><span>This course features:<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"far fa-clock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>3 Hours of Instruction<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-film\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>13 Videos<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-book\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>3 eBooks<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-shield-alt\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/i>30 Day Money Back Guarantee<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p>\n\n<div class=\"contentfix\">\n<div class=\"favorites\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tabs\">\n<input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-1\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-1\" class=\"label\">Lessons <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Course Curriculum<\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"curriculumcontainer\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/3-little-birds-with-colored-pencils-kingfisher-with-prismacolor-pencils\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>SERIES 1: KINGFISHER \/ PRISMACOLOR<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 1: Materials and Sketching (6:53)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 2: The Head (19:02)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 3: The Body (19:25)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 4: The Branch (7:09)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/3-little-birds-with-colored-pencils-blue-jay-with-polychromos-pencils\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>SERIES 2: BLUE JAY \/ POLYCHROMOS<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/3-little-birds-with-colored-pencils-hummingbird-with-caran-dache\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>SERIES 3: HUMMINGBIRD \/ LUMINANCE<\/strong><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-2\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-2\" class=\"label\">Description <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:3px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Description<\/h2>\n<p>\nThis lesson series is a focused and inspiring study in colored pencil realism. Over multiple lessons, students learn how to use Prismacolor Colored Pencils on smooth Bristol paper to create a vibrant, detailed drawing of a kingfisher bird. This series is designed to help artists understand how observation, layering, value control, and texture combine to produce lifelike results with colored pencils.\n<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kingfisher_finished.jpg\" alt=\"Colored Pencil Drawing of a Kingfisher bird\"><\/p>\n<h2>Choosing Materials and Preparing the Surface<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe series begins by introducing the tools and materials that support success with colored pencils. Prismacolor pencils are chosen for their rich pigment and smooth application, while Bristol paper is selected for its firm, ultra-smooth surface that allows for multiple layers of pigment. Students learn how to prepare their surface and organize supplies to ensure a comfortable and efficient workflow from start to finish.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Sketching and Establishing Proportions<\/h2>\n<p>\nBefore applying color, the lesson series guides students through drawing an accurate pencil sketch of the kingfisher. Emphasis is placed on proportion, placement, and the bird\u2019s unique anatomy. Students learn how to simplify complex forms into manageable shapes, setting up a drawing that supports strong realism and precision as color is applied.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Layering Color for Depth<\/h2>\n<p>\nOnce the initial sketch is complete, students begin layering Prismacolor pencils to build rich, luminous color. The series demonstrates how to start with light pressure and gradually increase pigment density. Students explore how to blend colors, mix tones, and transition smoothly between hues to suggest the kingfisher\u2019s colorful feathers and natural shading. The importance of value relationships is emphasized, helping the bird appear three-dimensional and lifelike.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Detailing Feathers and Texture<\/h2>\n<p>\nA major focus of the lessons is capturing the delicate texture and patterning of the kingfisher\u2019s plumage. Students learn how directional strokes, varied pressure, and thoughtful color choices can convey the softness and overlapping structure of feathers. The instructor shows how to build contrast, define edges, and maintain clarity without overworking the surface.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Refining Highlights and Finishing Touches<\/h2>\n<p>\nAs the drawing develops, attention shifts to refining small details and enhancing highlights that bring the kingfisher to life. Students learn how to emphasize reflections in the eye, subtle highlights on feathers, and crisp edges that define the bird\u2019s form. The lesson series also reviews how to evaluate the overall composition and make final adjustments that unify and balance the artwork for a polished result.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Specific Lessons<\/h2>\n<h3>Lesson 1 - Materials and Sketching<\/h3>\n<p>In lesson one, we'll review the materials used for this lesson series and create the sketch of the bird with graphite. We'll simplify the shape of the bird into basic shapes and draw the contours.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 2 - The Head<\/h3>\n<p>In lesson two, we'll begin work adding colored pencil applications. We'll start with the head and work our way down from there. We'll create complexity in the colors by layering colored pencil applications.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 3 - The Body<\/h3>\n<p>In lesson three, we'll continue working our way down the body and address the brightly colored breast of the bird and the overlapping feathers on the back. We'll add textures and shadows after addressing the lighter values.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 4 - The Branch<\/h3>\n<p>In lesson four, we'll complete the drawing by addressing the branch and the talons. We'll pull in a touch of orange in this area to help to harmonize the drawing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-3\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-3\" class=\"label\">Materials <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Materials<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils<\/li>\n<li>Smooth Bristol Paper<\/li>\n<li>H or 2H Graphite Pencil<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-4\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-4\" class=\"label\">Resources <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Resources<\/h2>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-exclamation-triangle\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Distributing any content downloaded from this site is strictly prohibited and against the terms and conditions of use.<\/p>\n<h4>References<\/h4>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Download eBook<\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Reference Image<\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Finished Drawing<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarbottom\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Your Instructor<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructor\">\n<div class=\"instructorimage\">\n<div class=\"instructorpic\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/images\/mattauthor.jpg\" alt=\"Matt Fussell - Instructor\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"instructorname\">Matt Fussell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructordes\">\n<p>Founder of The Virtual Instructor, artist and teacher. Matt makes learning art easy to understand and enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p><div style=\"padding-top:10px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/author\/admin\">Learn more about Matt<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relatedcoursescontainer\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Related Courses and Classes<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/colored-pencils-plus\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Colored Pencils PLUS<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Colored-Pencils-Plus-Course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/the-colored-pencil-course\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>The Colored Pencil Course<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Colored-Pencil-Course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/peacock-with-colored-pencils\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Peacock with Colored Pencils<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Peacock-colored-pencils-lesson-series-400.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\nfunction myFunction(x) {\n  if (x.matches) { \/\/ If media query matches\n    radiobtn = document.getElementById(\"tab-1\");\nradiobtn.checked = true;\n  } else {\n   radiobtn = document.getElementById(\"tab-2\");\nradiobtn.checked = true;\n  }\n}<\/p>\n<p>var x = window.matchMedia(\"(max-width: 981px)\")\nmyFunction(x) \/\/ Call listener function at run time\nx.addListener(myFunction) \/\/ Attach listener function on state changes\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><script>\n$(\".curriculumcontainermem a\").click(function(){\n    $('.curriculumcontainermem a.selected').not(this).removeClass('selected');\n    $(this).toggleClass('selected');\n })\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script>\n$(\".curriculumcontainer a\").click(function(){\n    $('.curriculumcontainer a.curriculumselected').not(this).removeClass('curriculumselected');\n    $(this).toggleClass('curriculumselected');\n })\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script>\n    var iframe = document.querySelector('iframe');\n    var player = new Vimeo.Player(iframe);<\/p>\n<p>    player.on('play', function() {\n        console.log('played the video!');\n    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video is password-protected or private\n            break;<\/p>\n<p>        default:\n            \/\/ some other error occurred\n            break;\n    }\n});\n}\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script>\nfunction PlayVid4() {\nplayer.loadVideo(342744134).then(function() {\n    \/\/ the video successfully loaded\n}).catch(function(error) {\n    switch (error.name) {\n        case 'TypeError':\n            \/\/ the id was not a number\n            break;<\/p>\n<p>        case 'PasswordError':\n            \/\/ the video is password-protected and the viewer needs to enter the\n            \/\/ password first\n            break;<\/p>\n<p>        case 'PrivacyError':\n            \/\/ the video is password-protected or private\n            break;<\/p>\n<p>        default:\n            \/\/ some other error occurred\n            break;\n    }\n});\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>3 Little Birds with Colored Pencils: Kingfisher with Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Lessons Course Curriculum Description Lesson Description This lesson series is a focused and inspiring study in colored pencil realism. Over multiple lessons, students learn how to use Prismacolor Colored Pencils on smooth Bristol paper to create a vibrant, detailed drawing of a kingfisher [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"paget-iframe.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31283","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31283"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46218,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31283\/revisions\/46218"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}