Birding and Art at Sweetwater Wetlands with Alex Patia and Laura Milkins

Saturday, November 21, 2026

Join your friends from Tucson Bird Alliance and The Drawing Studio for a one-of-a-kind experience that blends birding, art, and creativity. No prior birding or artistic experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and enjoy a fun morning celebrating the beauty of birds through both observation and art.

Explore the Sweetwater Wetlands with watercolor bird artist Laura Milkins. You’ll learn how to quickly sketch a bird in the water or on a branch and then add watercolor for a fun effect. Simple, step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process. Bring a chair and a water bottle so you can sit, sketch and paint.

• Supplies:

  • 6-piece watercolor water brush set, refillable pens

  • 6×8 Mixed Media sketch pad

  • Staedtler Water-Soluble Tinted Graphite Pencils, Watercolor Artist Set

  • No. 2 pencil

  • Chair

  • Waterbottle

Limited to 12 participants.

Leader: Alex Patia (apatia@tucsonbirds.org) and Laura Milkins

Header Image: Cactus Wren by Laura Milkins

Body Image: Hummingbird by Laura Milkins