Danielle
Posted: May 25, 2018 Filed under: Uncategorized 20 CommentsAfter weeks of frustrating attempts at rendering the figure in watercolour, I tried out something new at life drawing studio last night: water-soluble coloured pencils. I don’t quite have the hang of it yet — it will take some time to figure out what pencil to use where — but I like the way I can build up the skin tones more gradually. I’m using a set of 12 Caran D’Ache Museum Aquarelle pencils which are quite vibrant and can be used in a variety of ways. For light areas, I drew with the pencil first and then wet the lines with a brush and water. For darker areas, I dipped the tip of the pencil in water and drew with it directly to get a creamier, more solid area of colour. Sketched in a Bee watercolour sketchbook.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
when I grind something, pots will always try at water-soluble colors outside because I’m starting to sign,
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HI, Thanks for writing. I am not quite sure what you mean. Perhaps something has been lost in the translation.
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possibility the mistake lies with paper
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Ooh, I love the effect. I use those sometimes too, only I have the Prismalo ones
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Thanks Marina. Haven’t tried those. Are they nice?
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Yes, they are. I’ve not tried yours…
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Nice use of watercolor pencils. I like the use of vertical strokes that give rhythm and balance to your work. I have a set of watercolor pencils myself but have yet to use them. You’ve inspired me to try. I bet they will be good to use as as sketch for a more in depth painting. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Bernadette. Give yours a try. I bet you’ll love them too.
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LOVELY, Shari! I love the beautiful skin tones you have gotten with this combination. And the dark values of the chair really make the figure pop. Thank you for sharing this….it’s very enlightening!
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Thanks Kathy. I loved using these and I will try them again next week. Maybe they will be my secret weapon for successful life drawing.
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Love the colors especially the green shadows and what a beautiful composition. This seems like an excellent solution to the watercolor dilemma. Nice contrast of blue in the background against the skin tones. The drawing is wonderful. I really like the feeling of the left arm and hand. Beautiful pose.
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Thanks Jeff. She was an incredible model (and a former acrobat) but unfortunately the poses are always quite static because there are many portrait painters in the group. At least her seated pose was interesting, but sometimes I have to move around the room quite a bit to find a good angle.
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gorgeous
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Thanks!
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Very nice! These are my favorite brand of water-soluble colored pencils….so soft and vibrant. Have you tried touching the tip of the brush directly on the pencil point? it’s an easy way to get intense color for a small area.
Tina
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HI Tina, It’s always great to hear from you! Yes, I did that as well but forgot to mention it. It releases the most beautiful saturated colour onto the brush.
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Nice use of the pencils!!! I never thought of using them for figures, but you used them and their properties well.
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Thanks Joan!
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Lovely treatment. I’ve just turned again to neocolor II watersoluble crayons for starting off paintings, Trying to keep the ‘Sketchy’ look.
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I have never tried those but what a great idea as a way to start a painting. I have looked at them but thought they would be too fat to draw with. You are giving me ideas…
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