Drawing Birds: A Naturalist’s Approach to Art and Observation

Join me for this five part deep dive into drawing birds with the Stanford Contiuing Studies program.

Imagine observing and drawing a bird through the eyes of a scientist and an artist at the same time: every detail tells a story of anatomy and vitality. Led by education and bird artist John Muir Laws, author of The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds, this introductory course blends scientific knowledge and artistic technique to create a rich learning experience for artists and bird lovers alike. You’ll study anatomy, proportion, and gesture, then apply those insights through guided lessons—sprinkled with Laws’s signature enthusiasm and humor—in pencil, colored pencil, and watercolor. Drawing on four decades of experience, Laws will share methods for drawing birds quickly and accurately, whether in the studio or in the field. This course will sharpen your perception, deepen your attention, and transform the simple act of looking into an experience of wonder and connection with the natural world.