These Nests Are Anything But Empty

Bird’s Nest, watercolor and gouache on paper, ©2026 Maryjo Koch

Birds’ nests, an off-the-beaten-track subject for many botanical artists, was the theme of an online seminar by accomplished artist and teacher Maryjo Koch. www.maryjokoch.com 

Teaching from her studio in Santa Cruz, California, Maryjo divided the presentation into two sessions so that heavy strokes of white gouache could dry overnight. The nest image she created during the seminar is shown here, accompanied by comments and nests from some of the BAGSC participants.          

Gayle Uyehara, who works mainly in colored pencil, appreciated the step-by-step insights Maryjo offered. “It was a well-spent two days,” she said of the April 2026 seminar. “I look forward to applying the study notes and techniques I learned to future pieces with grasses and twigs.”

Bird's Nest (work in progress), watercolor and gouache on paper, ©2026 Gayle Uyehara

Donnett Vanek had already been thinking of doing a rendering of a bird’s nest and was interested in learning Maryjo’s approach. “There is a wonderful flow to her strokes that leads the viewer through the image,” she noted, adding that the workshop was a good introduction to gouache for artists unfamiliar with it. “I love the way Maryjo handles the paint; her presentation was interesting and informative.” As she began sketching from the preliminary photograph Maryjo provided, Donnett said she got lost in the intricacies of the nest. “Before long, I was working on a graphite rendering inspired by Maryjo’s workshop!”  

 Bird's nest, graphite on paper, ©2026, Donnett Vanek

Bird's nest, watercolor and gouache on paper, ©2026, Adrienne Klotz-Floyd

"My lesson learned was, when adding the color for final details, allow the white gouache and subsequent watercolor washes over it to dry completely between layers,” said Adrienne Klotz-Floyd. “Things can get muddy fast if you don’t!”

“I definitely want to express my thanks to BAGSC for the opportunity to participate,” said Elizabeth Bergstrom, who joined the seminar from Ennis, Montana. “It was a privilege to meet Maryjo and learn about her technique for creating nests. I have not used gouache before, so this was an excellent introduction.” She noted that Maryjo’s comment about mixing gouache and water to “the consistency of coffee creamer” remains with her.  “The technique of masking the egg with clear tape also worked well. This workshop has been a foundation for going further,” Elizabeth concluded.

“I have finally put the finishing touches on my bird’s nest,” said Jan Clouse. “I enjoyed the zen of this, especially since my favorite part of any painting is adding details and texture. The bird’s nest is ALL detail and texture!” Jan thanked BAGSC for providing the opportunity, and thanked Maryjo for the workshop.

Bird's nest, "Mother's Day,” colored pencil and coffee on paper, ©2026, Jan Clouse

Maryjo Koch’s accurate depictions of birds and nests from around the world are based on personal observation, literature, and science. For her book, Bird Egg Feather Nest (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 1992), she gratefully acknowledges her access to the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology Bird Museum (WFVZ) in Camarillo, California. Its major collection of eggs and nests of birds from around the world was a key resource. Several books later, The Nest: An Artist’s Sketchbook, was published, also by Stewart, Tabori & Chang. She urges interested artists to take advantage of WFVZ’s remarkable public collection, because it was assembled to be used.  See www.wfvz.org for details.

Watch for an upcoming announcement about our Fall Quarterly Meeting on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Maryjo Koch will be leading another workshop for BAGSC members on the topic of lichen. Seating will be limited, so sign up when you receive our email notice!