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.
when I grind something, pots will always try at water-soluble colors outside because I’m starting to sign,
HI, Thanks for writing. I am not quite sure what you mean. Perhaps something has been lost in the translation.
possibility the mistake lies with paper
Ooh, I love the effect. I use those sometimes too, only I have the Prismalo ones
Thanks Marina. Haven’t tried those. Are they nice?
Yes, they are. I’ve not tried yours…
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.
Thanks Bernadette. Give yours a try. I bet you’ll love them too.
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!
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.
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.
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.
gorgeous
Thanks!
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
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.
Nice use of the pencils!!! I never thought of using them for figures, but you used them and their properties well.
Thanks Joan!
Lovely treatment. I’ve just turned again to neocolor II watersoluble crayons for starting off paintings, Trying to keep the ‘Sketchy’ look.
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…