How to Draw a Tui at an Apple in Pastel

b Class Description

Celebrate the beauty of one of New Zealand’s most beloved native birds—the Tui—in this engaging pastel class. Known for its iridescent plumage and distinctive white throat tufts, the Tui is a joy to both observe and draw. In this lesson, we’ll capture its striking character and luminous colour using soft pastels.

With step-by-step guidance, you’ll discover how to bring this iconic bird to life with texture, contrast, and vibrant background tones that make the subject pop.

🎨 What You’ll Learn in This Class:

🕊️ Capturing Character – Learn how to express the unique posture and personality of the Tui.
✨ Drawing the “Parson’s Tuft” – Understand the structure and placement of the Tui’s famous white throat feathers.
🖌️ Chest Striping – Add the subtle white stripes that give definition to the bird’s chest area.
🌅 Rendering Backgrounds – Create a soft, blended pastel background that enhances your subject without overpowering it.
🍎 Hollowed-Out Fruit – Explore texture and colour blending techniques to draw the Tui’s snack—a beautifully rendered apple.

🖍️ Class Highlights:

✅ Beginner-friendly with detailed, follow-along instructions
✅ Focus on building texture and tonal control in pastel
✅ A fun and meaningful project that celebrates native wildlife

By the end of the lesson, you’ll have a striking and expressive pastel artwork that captures the brilliance and charm of the Tui bird—plus new techniques to use in your future animal portraits.

Join now and bring a little piece of New Zealand nature to your art collection!