I was driving while listening and literally pulled over as I had a vision in my head of what a finished painting of this story would look like. This doesn't often happen, so when it does, I pay attention! I drew a sketch on a scrap piece of paper and started working on it that week.
That is how the original painting of the Bird of Humanity came to be. It has since sold, but now I make gallery canvas wraps and silk scarves with the hi-res image. And even more exciting is that I can now share this class with you to create your own! We can keep spreading the word about this beautiful story.
BIRD OF HUMANITY
Acrylic Painting in Layers + Lettering
Oh my goodness! This class and the story behind the inspiration of my painting are so fun; I can't wait to share it with you.
I first heard about the Bird of Humanity from Lynne Twist, a global activist and thought leader. A few years ago, while I was listening to Super Soul Sunday podcast with Oprah, her guest on the show was Lynne. I loved this episode so much I started to research her some more online. Then I stumbled upon one of her Ted talks. In the presentation, she was chatting about the Bird of Humanity and the Native American prophecy that she now calls The Sophia Century.
Here's what Lynne said "The female wing has been un-fully extended and somewhat shy. While the male wing must flap harder to fly, it's become over muscular and overdeveloped. It has been flying for centuries with primarily only its male wing. The prophecy says that in the 21st century, the female wing will extend and express itself fully in men and women, the male energy will relax, and the bird of humanity will soar."
Wow. This is an amazing story for women today; it really resonated with me.
About this Class
Instant Access
Acrylic Painting
Acrylic Inks + Paint Pens
Guided Instruction Layer-by-Layer
Self-Paced + Lifetime Access
3+ Hours of Content
Downloadable Videos
All levels welcome
Price $45
BIRD OF HUMANITY
The story of the painting
As soon as I finished the painting, I was in love with it. And I had the perfect spot in my art studio for her to hang, right above the sliding glass doors to my back deck and an incredible view. Around this time, I was also hosting my very first Open Studios (which is a pretty big deal here in Santa Cruz, over 300 artists participate). I decided that everything would be available for sale except this piece.
I had recently met Linda (and her goddaughter Erin) and asked them to come to the Open Studios. Linda is a paraplegic with a great can-do attitude and one of those people surrounded by a bright light. In an instant, she can dazzle you with her smile. Before she had a stroke a few years ago, Linda was an active painter, creating gorgeous landscapes of her hometown, Carmel, CA.
So, when she scooted around my studio in her fancy, motorized wheelchair and pointed up to the Bird of Humanity painting and said, “Is that for sale?” my heart skipped a bit, and I said, “actually, that’s not for sale”. Mark, my husband, chimed in and said, “ha! everything’s for sale!”.
Then I remembered the first painting I ever sold and the impact that had on me and my business, and I said, “yes! Linda, yes – this painting was meant for you!”. Of course, it was made for her. As a professional artist, there is nothing sweeter than someone loving your art as much as you do.
Suggested Art Supply List
Please know that it is not my intention for you to purchase all the supplies! You may have a lot of these already, and I always suggest that you use your favorite supplies on hand. And, always stay true to the colors that you love. All my lessons can easily be done in a color palette of your choosing. Also, some supplies are more expensive than others - there are different brands and lots of substitutions for the same thing. You can do any of my classes with basic painting supplies!
This art supply video is perfect for anyone curious about the colors and supplies
used in the class, plus substitution ideas!
Canvas: I chose a small size so I could the whole thing in the videos, but please know that you can take this class and do all the same layers on any horizontal size canvas!
The sides aren't as deep as I like but it's a very affordable price as you get 2! I used this in class.
Acrylic Paint: I will be using Nova Color Paint (my favorite) but if you can't get that then Liquitex Soft Body is a great alternative. I love the consistency of soft body paint like these brands. If you are new to painting there are many great options in student grade acrylic paints as well like Amsterdam Standard Series or Liquitex Basics.
Colors I am using in class:
Blue Green
Yellow Green
White Titanium
Carbazole Dioxazine Violet
Cerulean Blue
Quinacridone Magenta
Hot Pink
Cadium Orange Deep
Pyrrole Red
Note: Acrylic Inks or High flow fluid paint: I use all the fluid paints the same way, either straight from the bottle or tube and/or to mix with other colors. I only use a few drops, and any brand is fine! So no need to buy any new colors if you already have some inks. They are getting really expensive lately so you can buy just the white and then make your own colors - there is a video in class on how to make your own as well as at the bottom of my Favorite Art Supplies page.
Acrylic Inks (you do not need all these! It's just what I used in the videos):
Amsterdam Permanent Red Violet Light
Amsterdam Azo Orange (or Daler Rowney Flame Orange)
High Flow Acrylics: Golden High Flow White Titanium
Brushes:
Variety of sponge brushes
I am using KingArt Brushes. Any brand will do, just try and have some round, flat, and angle shader options.
Variety set of KingArt brushes
Posca Pen Markers Sets! No need for all these, you just need white for lettering and then accent colors for your wings and details. I am listing 5 different sets as there are different widths.
Primary Colors 1m Set (superfine)
Primary Colors 3m (fine)
Primary Colors 5m (medium)
Pastel Colors 5m (my favorite set!)
Misc:
Stencils by StencilGirl Products (any stencils - homemade or bought are fine!)
Wendy Brightbill L671 “floral frolics”
Rae Missigman M080 “repetition”
Lyra Graphite Stick - option to use Neo Color II in black
Optional:
Sealer – Matte varnish (optional)
Palette paper
Spray Bottle
Paper Towels (I love Viva brand there is no pattern)
If you feel like shopping from any of the links I just want you to know that as an affiliate I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases, so I can buy more art supplies and continue to create art videos and classes!
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