9004 The Pelican
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series

A graceful pelican glides low over a quiet marsh, its wings spread wide as it passes over still water dotted with reeds, weathered tree stumps, and soft reflections beneath a misty sky. In this beginner level acrylic painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this peaceful wildlife scene in a 90 minute session on an 18x24 canvas, capturing both motion and atmosphere in a calm natural setting.

You’ll learn how to construct and paint the pelican in flight, using simple shapes and controlled brushwork to achieve believable proportions and movement. Jerry demonstrates how to block in the bird first, then refine details such as feathers, wings, and subtle color variations to bring the subject to life.

The lesson also focuses on creating soft, atmospheric backgrounds with water reflections, distant foliage, and misty layers that add depth without competing with the main subject. You’ll explore how to paint reflections, grasses, and tree stumps using loose techniques that keep the scene natural and balanced.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain confidence in painting wildlife in motion, handling soft edges, and creating depth through atmosphere and layering. This is an excellent project for beginners looking to expand their skills while producing a serene and visually engaging marshland scene.