Run Time: 4Hr 34 Min
Video Size: 1920 x 1080 Full HD

I have a little White-breasted nuthatch that frequents my bird feeder daily. He is only interested in the sunflower seeds and not anything else in the mixed feed so he uses his beak to throw the other seed out of the feeder to get to the sunflower seeds, making a huge mess. The photo reference I used was of his upside down perch on the eastern white pine tree that he always uses as his jump off point for his assault on my feeder. Interesting, it seems that nuthatches are always up side down as it gives them a different perspective than other birds allowing them the opportunity to find food other birds miss, hence the play on words title. The second part of the inspiration is a trail near me that has a creek that runs through it called the Scout Valley Trek, the second element of the title and the loose reference for the background.

In this art instruction tutorial we will learn to paint detailed bird textures, bark textures, snow and last but not least, water textures. We will also learn how to take a photo reference like a snow covered creek scene and manipulate it to suit the perspective of our painting. We will also learn how to use repetitive shape to enhance our composition and create a unity between our elements. Last, we will learn how to create depth in our painting using contrast and lighting to create the illusion of vast spaces.

Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Board Size: 6 x 8 Inches
Lesson Aids: Line Drawing, Colour Template, Materials List, Reference Photo.