Join the #BuildABird Watercolor Challenge!

Following the VERY enthusiastic response to our recent blobby bird video on YouTube, we’re bringing the #buildabird challenge back for March 2026!

How to Join In

• Read this blog post!
• Download the FREE prompt sheet and sketch bundle of traceable elements.
• Watch the introductory video and read the Week 1 (bodies and legs) progress blog post.
• Paint or draw one or more bird parts each day, following the prompts and your own inspiration.
• Feel free to mix and match styles—keep it loose, playful, and fun!
• Share your creations on social media using the hashtag #BuildABird so we can all admire and be inspired by each other’s work.

Are you ready for a fun and creative daily watercolor challenge? Introducing #BuildABird, a whimsical and playful way to design your own unique birds, one step at a time! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this challenge will help you loosen up, experiment with different shapes, and build a delightful collection of birds by the end of the month.

How the Challenge Works

Instead of painting full birds every day, we’ll break them down into parts—bodies, wings, beaks, tails, and more—so you can mix and match your designs in endless ways! Over 30 days, you’ll follow a simple prompt list, painting small elements that will come together into a flock of unique and imaginative birds.

The Daily Prompts

We’ve structured the challenge into five themed sections, each focusing on different aspects of bird design:

Stage 1: Bodies & Legs

1. Round & plump
2. Tall & skinny
3. Short & squat
4. Teardrop shape
5. Fluffy & ruffled
6. Odd & asymmetrical

Stage 2: Wings & Tails

7. tucked wings
8. Big dramatic wings
9. One up, one down
10. Curly or swirly wings
11. Fan-shaped tail
12. Long trailing tail

Stage 3: Eyes & Beaks

13. Big, wide eyes
14. Sleepy or closed eyes
15. Side-glance & sneaky eyes
16. Tiny triangle beak
17. Long, curved beak
18. Short & stubby beak

Stage 4: Embellishments

19. Fancy feathers
20. Patterns & doodles
21. Hats, scarves, or accessories
22. Branch, wire, or fence perch
23. Flowers, leaves, or berries
24. Rain, snow, or sunshine

Final Days: Building Birds!

25. A bird with a funny personality
26. A serious or grumpy bird
27. A colorful rainbow bird
28. A monochrome bird
29. A bird in flight
30. A whole flock of birds!

Why You’ll Love This Challenge

• No pressure, just fun – Paint at your own pace and enjoy the process.
• Perfect for all skill levels – Whether you’re new to watercolor or a seasoned artist, you’ll have room to explore and experiment.
• Boosts creativity – By focusing on individual elements, you’ll develop new ideas and techniques for your bird paintings.
• Endless possibilities – At the end of the month, you’ll have a whole set of mix-and-match birds to arrange however you like!

Ready to Take Flight?

Grab your brushes, your favorite paints, and join us for the #BuildABird challenge! Let’s fill the sky with a wonderful flock of creative birds.

Don’t forget to tag your posts with #BuildABird so we can all share in the fun. Happy painting! 🎨🐦