We started with a background of peacocks, and then drew a basic portrait of a peacock.
We outlined with medium black sharpies and then colored in the peacocks body and the "eyes" of the feather with realistic oil pastel colors.
To add the vibrant colors of the feathers we painted with tissue paper. I cut up 1" to 2" squares of tissue paper of blues/greens/purples/browns etc.
We painted on plain water and then add tissue papers and THEN painted over with clear what to add a watercolor effect.
Check them out!!!
If you try this in your classroom, please let me know... you will love the results and your students will too and they will feel successful, well at least I hope!