Peacock Still Life
Look closely at real feathers and capture every gorgeous detail.
The Set Up
Observational drawing of feathers is so incredible. The colours, the patterns, the way light catches those iridescent greens and blues... peacock feathers especially are like tiny masterpieces from nature. This is one of those quieter activities that really draws artists in.
Place feathers in the centre of the table, a mix of peacock feathers and other interesting feathers if you have them. Set out oil pastels in curated colours (greens, blues, teals, golds) alongside watercolour palettes. We love offering long, thin paper for this activity to mimic the shape of the feathers themselves.
The Making
Invite artists to look really closely at the feathers before they start. What colours can they see? Where does the feather change from one colour to another? Can they see the tiny lines that make up each barb? There's no rush. The looking is just as important as the drawing.
Oil pastels are beautiful for this because they capture the richness of the colours. Layering colours on top of each other creates that gorgeous depth you see in real feathers. Adding a watercolour wash over the top gives a lovely resist effect and ties everything together.
You can also offer the feather brushes from the previous activity as an alternative painting tool. Using feathers to paint feathers? Don't mind if we do!
Variations
Offer black paper with metallic oil pastels for a completely different mood.
Print high-quality images of birds of paradise, toucans, or rosellas to expand the still life options beyond feathers.
Materials
• Peacock feathers and other interesting feathers
• Oil pastels, curated palette of greens, blues, teals, golds, and purples
• Watercolour palettes
• Watercolour paper, including long thin strips
• Brushes and water pots
• Optional: feather brushes from the Feather Brushes activity
• Optional: black paper and metallic oil pastels
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Peacock Still Life
Look closely at real feathers and capture every gorgeous detail.
Bookmark
Painting & Drawing
The Set Up
Observational drawing of feathers is so incredible. The colours, the patterns, the way light catches those iridescent greens and blues... peacock feathers especially are like tiny masterpieces from nature. This is one of those quieter activities that really draws artists in.
Place feathers in the centre of the table, a mix of peacock feathers and other interesting feathers if you have them. Set out oil pastels in curated colours (greens, blues, teals, golds) alongside watercolour palettes. We love offering long, thin paper for this activity to mimic the shape of the feathers themselves.
The Making
Invite artists to look really closely at the feathers before they start. What colours can they see? Where does the feather change from one colour to another? Can they see the tiny lines that make up each barb? There's no rush. The looking is just as important as the drawing.
Oil pastels are beautiful for this because they capture the richness of the colours. Layering colours on top of each other creates that gorgeous depth you see in real feathers. Adding a watercolour wash over the top gives a lovely resist effect and ties everything together.
You can also offer the feather brushes from the previous activity as an alternative painting tool. Using feathers to paint feathers? Don't mind if we do!
Variations
Offer black paper with metallic oil pastels for a completely different mood.
Print high-quality images of birds of paradise, toucans, or rosellas to expand the still life options beyond feathers.
Materials
• Peacock feathers and other interesting feathers
• Oil pastels, curated palette of greens, blues, teals, golds, and purples
• Watercolour palettes
• Watercolour paper, including long thin strips
• Brushes and water pots
• Optional: feather brushes from the Feather Brushes activity
• Optional: black paper and metallic oil pastels
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
