Natural History Illustration - Birds

Saturday 5th December 2026

10am - 4pm

The Old Butcher’s Studio

212 Brooklyn Rd. Brooklyn NSW 2083

All skill levels - beginners welcome

Max class size: 6

Learn the basic principles and techniques of scientific drawing in this single day course. This class will focus on drawing birds which we will draw from taxidermy and photographs in the studio. The class will explore the use of fine ink pens and watercolour paints and use specific techniques such as stippling and hatching to render our subjects with accuracy and precision.

Classes will be small and limited to six participants. All materials provided. Several taxidermy subjects will be provided along with photographs of various birds but participants are encouraged to bring along some of their own imagery if they’d prefer to work with a particular subject. Tea and biscuits provided and there a several lunch options a short walk from the studio.

The Old Butchers Studio is located in Brooklyn on the banks of the Hawkesbury River in far north Sydney. Brooklyn (Hawkesbury River station) is a one hour train trip from central station and roughly a one hour drive from the city. The studio is a 2 min walk from Hawkesbury River station. Parking can be difficult in Brooklyn on the weekends so we recommend catching the train where possible. Note that untimed parking is available on the western side of the railway bridge, a short walk from the studio.