"I've been fascinated by nature since I was a kid. Growing up in rural Chino, surrounded by farms and open fields, there was always something inspiring to see. I spent a lot of time outdoors, watching the seasons change and observing the life cycles of plants, insects, birds, and animals. There was always something new to discover, whether it was a bird building its nest, caterpillars transforming into butterflies, or the way the wind moved through the tall grasses."

The best way to learn how to draw birds and insects is by watching them in their natural habitats. Observing their movements and behaviors can teach you so much about their structure and form. Some birds and insects move quickly and constantly, making them tricky to capture in a sketch, but with patience and practice, you start to notice patterns in how they move. The more time you spend looking closely, the more details you pick up—like the way a bird’s feet grip a branch, how feathers overlap, or how an insect’s antennae twitch as it explores its surroundings.

In this class, we’ll take a step-by-step approach to drawing birds and insects, breaking things down into simple shapes to make the process easier. You’ll learn to see anatomy in a new way by focusing on key details like feet, antennae, and feathers. Understanding what’s underneath all those feathers—like the shape of the wings or the way joints bend—will help you create more accurate and lifelike drawings.

Aleta Jacobson is a working artist, instructor, and designer who specializes in creating powerful collage, mixed media, watercolors, and acrylic paintings using a variety of tools and materials. Aleta is inspired by life events, current events, nature, and the environment. Learn more about Aleta’s beautiful work by visiting her website aletajacobsonartist.com.

Pricing:

Member | $45

Public | $50

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Please be prepared to spend time outdoors by bringing water and dressing for the weather.

‍An Important Note About Materials: You will need to purchase and bring your own art materials for this class. Please see below for a list of suggested materials.

* Drawing pencils HB, 2H, 3H, 2B, 4B and 6B
* Sketchbook or 80 lbs smooth paper
* Erasers, kneaded eraser and white polymer eraser
* Tracing paper
* Optional, Pens