Reference photograph: reproduced by kind permission of Gerald Corsi / E+ via Getty Images.
(All other images: Sarah Stokes)
You will need
• Photographic reference of the carmine bee-eaters
• Paper: 200gsm, Coldpressed, textured Studentgrade watercolour paper
• Watercolour pencils
• Paint: alizarin crimson, cobalt turquoise light, opera pink, either watercolour pan or tube (optional)
• Gouache paints (optional)
• Brushes: synthetic Round No. 6 and small detailer brushes
• Palette, water container, paper towel
• Soft B pencil, eraser, sharpener, black micron pen, white gel pen