Artist in Residence 2026 Workshops
Join award-winning bird illustrator Peter Marsack at Broome Bird Observatory for a series of small-group workshops during his 2026 Artist in Residence.
Dates of Residency: 10 June – 8 July 2026
Limited places. Bookings essential
Field Sketching All Levels - 3 hr Workshop
Morning sessions: 8:30am
Afternoon sessions: 3:00pm
Small group – maximum 8 participants
This beginner-friendly workshop is designed to help you slow down, observe closely, and develop confidence sketching birds in the field.
Led by award-winning natural history illustrator Peter Marsack, this session focuses on the art of looking — learning to translate what you see into simple, expressive sketches.
No advanced drawing skills required — just curiosity and a willingness to try.
What You’ll Learn
The Art of Looking
Field sketching is not about producing a finished artwork. It’s about learning to see.
In this workshop, you will:
Discover why drawing can teach you more than photography
Learn how to begin confidently with loose, bold lines
Understand how to capture structure, proportion and movement
Explore key features that make birds “look right”
Peter will demonstrate techniques before guiding participants through practical exercises.
Drawing Birds Step-by-Step
Participants will:
Practice starting with simple shapes and angles
Learn how to avoid overworking details too early
Understand the basics of bird anatomy and structure
Develop observational sketches from reference images
Observing in the Field
Part of the session will be spent outside, observing birds directly in the Roebuck Bay landscape.
Participants will:
Use binoculars or a scope to study live subjects
Sketch from observation and memory
Note key identifying features
Develop confidence working quickly and intuitively
Back indoors, sketches will be refined using what has been observed.
Workshop Style
This is a relaxed, supportive session with a maximum of eight participants, ensuring personal guidance and time for questions.
The focus is on:
Confidence
Observation
Enjoyment
Learning to look more closely at birds and habitat
Field sketching is a skill that can be used anywhere — not just with birds.
Who This Workshop Is For
Complete beginners
Birdwatchers wanting to record observations differently
Nature lovers curious about drawing
Artists wanting to loosen up their sketching style
What to Bring
Sketch pad (A4 or A5 preferred)
HB or B pencil (a clutch pencil works well)
Eraser
Binoculars (if you have them — loan pairs available)
Cost of this 3 hr workshop is $75
A full materials note will be sent upon booking.
Small group. Limited places. Bookings essential. Multiple Dates available.
2 Day Bird Illustration Workshops
8:00am – 5:00pm (both days)
Small group – maximum 8 participants
This in-depth two-day workshop is designed for participants with watercolour painting experience who are ready to take their bird illustration skills further.
Led by award-winning natural history illustrator Peter Marsack, the workshop combines practical technique with a deeper understanding of bird structure, light and environment.
What You’ll Learn
Day One – Foundations of Bird Illustration
The first day focuses on technique and control.
Participants will:
Learn how to transfer a drawing accurately onto watercolor paper
Practice laying down paint to achieve the desired level of realism and detail
Explore how to build structure, feather detail and form through careful observation
This stage builds confidence in handling paint and developing a clear, controlled illustration.
Day Two – Placing the Bird in its Environment
On the second day, the focus expands beyond the “bird on a twig” stage.
Participants will:
Learn how to place a bird convincingly within its environment
Study light, shade, foliage and natural textures
Work with both opaque gouache and transparent watercolour, understanding how to use their different qualities effectively
Spend time outside observing subjects directly
Work from natural props such as foliage and bark
Students will begin making their own creative decisions while still receiving demonstrations and guidance from Peter.
Workshop Style
This is a small, focused workshop with a maximum of eight participants, ensuring time for individual feedback and guidance.
The emphasis is on creating a more resolved, finished bird illustration that combines:
Accurate structure
Observational detail
Thoughtful composition
Confident use of paint
Who This Workshop Is For
Participants with watercolour painting experience
Artists wanting to improve realism and detail
Nature lovers interested in scientific or natural history illustration
Anyone keen to deepen their understanding of birds through careful observation and painting
What to Bring
A materials list will be provided upon booking. Participants may bring their own preferred materials or use recommended equivalents. BYO lunch - water, coffee/tea and morning snacks provided.
Limited places – bookings essential.
We recommend booking a room at Broome Bird Observatory for the course.
Book: 18–19 June Workshop $300
Book : 27–28 June Workshop $300