In this tutorial on how to paint an Easter bunny, Colette Pitcher focuses on using one element or principle of design to strengthen your compositions. Today’s focus: contrast and value.

How to Paint an Easter Bunny: A Fun Spring Project

Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate than by painting an adorable Easter bunny? In this episode of Art School Live with Eric Rhoads, we will explore how to create a fun and vibrant painting that captures the essence of this cheerful season. Join Colette B. Pitcher as she guides you through the process, sharing valuable tips on design principles such as contrast and value to elevate your artwork:

Gathering Your Materials

Before diving into the painting, it’s essential to gather your materials. Colette emphasizes the versatility of acrylic paint; you can use it on various surfaces, including watercolor paper, glass, and canvas. For this project, Colette uses a piece of Gator Board, known for its lightweight and sturdy qualities.

• Surface: Gator Board or any suitable acrylic surface.
• Acrylic Paint: High flow acrylics for a liquid consistency.
• Brushes: Various sizes, including round and flat brushes.
• Palette: Any surface for mixing paint, like a paper plate or a stay-wet palette.
• Additional Tools: Graphite or carbon paper for transferring your design.

Starting with an Abstract Background

Colette begins the painting with an abstract background using high flow acrylic paint. This step is all about having fun and playing with colors. The beauty of acrylics is their forgiving nature; if you’re not happy with an area, you can always paint over it.

As she pours the paint, Colette encourages everyone to let loose and enjoy the process. This playful approach is not just for kids; it’s a valuable lesson for any artist. The goal is to create a background that will eventually support the Easter Bunny’s figure.

Creating the Bunny: Tracing Your Design

Once the background is dry, Colette introduces the next step: tracing the Easter bunny design. For beginners, this can be a daunting task, but Colette shares a helpful trick. Using a piece of graphite paper, you can transfer a printed photograph of a bunny onto your surface.

This technique allows you to focus on painting rather than drawing, which can be especially useful for those who may be intimidated by sketching. The faint outline provides a guide, making it easier to fill in the colors and details.

Painting the Bunny: Layering Colors

With the design in place, it’s time to start painting the rabbit. Colette mixes various shades of gray and brown to create a realistic base color for the rabbit’s fur. She emphasizes the importance of layering—starting with a base coat and adding highlights and shadows as you go.

For the rabbit’s ears, Colette mixes a peachy color, allowing the sunlight to shine through the thin membranes. This attention to light and shadow is crucial for making the rabbit appear three-dimensional.

Adding Details: Fur and Features

As Colette continues painting, she focuses on adding texture to the bunny’s fur. By using a filbert brush, she creates the illusion of soft, fluffy fur. This brush allows her to make quick, short strokes that mimic the direction of the fur.

Colette also adds highlights to the bunny’s eyes, giving them life and dimension. The contrast between the dark pupils and the light reflections adds a captivating focal point to the painting.

Incorporating Background Elements

To enhance the composition, Colette decides to add grass in front of the rabbit. Using an angle shader brush, she blends bright greens to create a lively foreground. This not only grounds the rabbit in its setting but also adds depth to the painting.

As she paints, Colette encourages viewers to be creative. You can customize your scene with flowers or other elements that resonate with you. The beauty of art is in its individuality.

Final Touches: Enhancing Contrast and Value

As the painting nears completion, Colette reflects on the principles of design, particularly contrast and value. She explains how using a dark background can make the lighter colors pop, creating a striking visual effect. This is a crucial lesson for artists of all levels.

Colette adds final touches, making adjustments to the shadows and highlights to ensure the bunny stands out against the vivid background. This step is where the painting truly comes to life, showcasing the importance of value in your artwork.

Join the Easter Bunny Challenge

As part of this fun project, we invite you to participate in the Easter Bunny Challenge. Paint your version of the Easter Bunny, share it on social media, and tag @EricRhoads on Instagram. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your creativity and share your work with others.

Embrace Your Inner Artist

Painting an Easter Bunny is not just a fun spring activity; it’s a chance to express yourself and explore your creativity. Colette’s approach highlights the importance of play and experimentation in art. Remember, every artist starts somewhere, and with practice, you can develop your unique style.

So gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and create your own Easter Bunny masterpiece. Happy painting!

For more tips and tutorials, be sure to subscribe to Art School Live and join our community of passionate artists. We believe anyone can learn to paint, and we’re here to help you every step of the way!