Eleven Artists for Climate Awareness members gathered on May 11, 2024 at Ivy Tech Bloomington, IN for a unique art workshop in which they painted birds and/or pollinators in watercolor. This special event aligned with World Migratory Bird Day, spotlighting the vital role of birds and insects as pollinators. On this auspicious day for biodiversity, we invited participants to capture the essence of these vital creatures through the graceful strokes of watercolor. Participants each painted from a different photographic reference.
Instructor: MarySue Schwab studied art at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and has continued her education in San Francisco and at the New York Art Students’ League. MarySue has worked as a graphic designer and transitioned into a career as an art instructor. Her paintings have hung in many galleries and museums across the country. She is a signature member of the Indiana Watercolor Society and the Bloomington Watercolor Society, and a member of the Ohio Watercolor Society and Indiana Plein Air Association as well as a founding member of the Upland Plein Air Society. For more info, see: http://marysueschwab.com/
Workshop Highlights:
- World Migratory Bird Day: Aligning with this global celebration, our workshop will shine a spotlight on the migratory aspects of pollinators, emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining ecosystems.
- Insect Significance: We are all familiar with the importance of bees as pollinators. We will provide additional information about the fascinating world of beetles, butterflies, and other buzzing companions as you create your watercolor masterpieces.
- Education: Carol Rhodes presented a program on “Birds, Bees, and Butterflies.”
Participants used their own photo references of pollinators.
