Painting Shorebirds: Light, Plumage & Coastal Atmosphere

Online Oil Painting Workshop with Teresa Oaxaca

December 6 & 13, 2026 | Two Sundays | 1–5 PM Eastern Time

Join award-winning artist Teresa Oaxaca for a two-session exploration of shorebirds in oil paint. From the delicate sandpiper to the graceful plover, shorebirds offer a wealth of beautiful forms, subtle colors, and fascinating patterns. Set against the shifting light of the coast, these creatures provide an opportunity to study both the intricacies of nature and the expressive possibilities of painting.

Through live demonstrations and guided instruction, Teresa will explore the principles of bird anatomy, drawing, composition, color mixing, and the rendering of feathers. Special attention will be given to capturing the distinctive character and movement of shorebirds, their delicate legs and beaks, and the soft transitions of light across their plumage.

Students will also learn to incorporate elements of the coastal landscape, including sand, water, reflections, and atmospheric effects, while maintaining a strong sense of design and a convincing relationship between subject and setting.

The first session will focus on drawing, composition, the study of form, and establishing the painting through an initial block-in. Students will have the intervening week to develop their work independently.

The second session will explore the refinement of form, feather textures, color relationships, edge control, and the final development of the painting. Teresa will demonstrate techniques for achieving greater depth, luminosity, and naturalism while preserving the freshness and vitality of the initial impression.

Students will receive individual guidance and opportunities for questions and critiques throughout both sessions.

This workshop is suitable for intermediate and advanced painters working in oils. Recordings of both sessions will be available for later review.

Topics Covered

·       Drawing and understanding shorebird anatomy and proportions

·       Designing a compelling composition with birds and coastal elements

·       Capturing gesture, posture, and the individual character of birds

·       Painting feathers, plumage patterns, and subtle color variations

·       Rendering delicate legs, beaks, and eyes

·       Understanding light and shadow on rounded forms

·       Mixing naturalistic colors for feathers, foliage and water

·       Painting coastal atmosphere

·       Using edges, values, and color temperature to create depth

·       Developing texture through layering and overpainting

·       Refining details while maintaining unity and painterly expression

Class Format

Two live online sessions via Zoom, with demonstrations, discussion, and individualized feedback. Students may paint along with Teresa or observe the demonstrations and work independently between sessions.

A separate materials list and additional class information will be provided to registered students.

Supply list- This list is what Teresa Oaxaca uses herself. Please feel free to substitute any colors you find too troublesome to acquire. It is optional to have the same materials for this course.

Brushes- Filbert, flat of Round. It is recommended that you acquire a “full set” (sizes 1-12) range, or skip every other size if you want to bring less brushes to class.

Paints-

Ultramarine Blue Green Shade (Natural Pigments (or any ultramarine blue from Old Holland or Michael Harding or another brand of your choice)

Chromium Oxide Green

Viridian

Lemon Ochre (or any Yellow Ochre)Cadmium Lemon

Cadmium Orange

Indian Red

Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide

Transparent Iron Oxide Brown

Rose Madder (or Alizarin Crimson, our Permanent Rose)

Cypress Umber Raw Dark (or a raw Umber)

Lead White (or Titanium white, Flake White Replacement)

Ivory Black

Cadmium Red

Cerulean Blue

French Sienna

Mediums- Age Refined Linseed Oil, Stand Oil

Canvas Support- One stretched and primed linen canvas (or panel), size up to you.