Stages of Edie; Colored Pencil added to Watercolor
February 24, 2016 § Leave a comment
In this last stage of the mixed media piece of Edie, I add colored pencil to the watercolor after it is thoroughly dried or I may add water soluble colored pencil while still drying. This adds vibrancy to the gradations and greater clarity and richness to the work. Edie’s face contains a wonderful portrayal of the concept of yin and yang. Balance and harmony is achieved as we find the lights within the dark areas and the darks with the light. What a great face!!!!
Final stage of the Mixed Media Process; adding Colored Pencil to Watercolor
February 16, 2016 § 2 Comments
The last stage in the process of using mixed media to portray the pileated woodpecker is the addition of colored pencil to provide greater intensity and clarity.
Using Multi Media
January 30, 2016 § Leave a comment
This is a colored pencil piece with pastel and Conte’ crayon. I would like to recommend the products used in this drawing. First, the use of colored paper; Canson, Arches, Strathmore, Rives all come in large sheets (usually 22″x30″, Canson usually runs smaller. By using colored paper, you change the equation of the value spectrum. Now you need to determine where on a scale of black to white this color fits. The white of the page will also need to be created. Therefore, keep in mind to save the value of the paper and create the white areas. Canson paper was used for this piece. A variety of colored pencil, mostly Derwent as well as Conte pastel pencil also comprised the media. For the highlights, white and pale yellow Conte crayon became indispensable. When using colored pencil, I would advise using the pastels sparingly and only to stretch the existing colors. I cannot over stress the aid of using a kneaded eraser. One can squeeze it into very fine shapes to erase tiny areas as well as being able to mold it into any shape you please. It leaves no oil residue on the page. And most importantly, you can bounce it off of walls when frustrated!!
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Using the White of the Page
January 11, 2016 § Leave a comment
One of the characteristics I love about watercolor is the need to reserve the white of the page for your lighter areas. It reminds us to incorporate white into our gradation spectrum and creates purity within the composition.
Joe and Frankie
November 5, 2015 § Leave a comment
One last view of the drawing of Joe and his Boston Terrier, Frankie as a pup. I’ve been working on revisions and at some point I have to say I’m done!!
Final Version of the Drawing of Joe and Frankie
October 22, 2015 § Leave a comment
Nearing the final stages of the mixed media drawing of our grandson Joe and his Boston Terrier Frankie. I had originally thought it would be watercolor with colored pencil, however I found pastel provided the drama and abstractions where needed. The pose was a difficult one and I was very unsure of it. However, time and the light play over the subjects led to subtle nuances which added to the story line. Plus I enjoy this tender moment in Joe’s relationship with Frankie.
Watercolor Washes of Joe and Frankie
October 7, 2015 § Leave a comment
This is the second stage of a drawing of our grandson Joe and his dog Frankie. I am using mixed media to intensify my work. This pairs colored pencil with watercolor. I am enjoying the looseness the washes add. The next stage will be the addition of colored pencil to add greater clarity. Corrections still need to be made. The composition of Joe working on a project and his Boston Terrier giving him a kiss is an unusual one.
Adding Value and Depth to Drawing of a Stork
May 7, 2015 § Leave a comment
I’ve been looking at a drawing I had completed years ago for The Little Book of Drawing and realizing that it seemed quite linear in nature and lacking a real sense of depth. The original was a pen & ink done in black of a stork sunning itself on a rock. I added color with a limited palette of black, dark umber, and sienna. Also thrown in is white Conte’ crayon to allow for more contrast with the background. The gradations move off of the line and instill a three dimensional nature. Funny how it’s easier to tell your students to do this than see it in your own work! Oh well, better late than never. I am including both drawings.
Finished Stage of The Pileated Woodpecker
June 8, 2014 § 4 Comments
I haven’t posted for awhile, but finally am finishing the drawing of a Pileated Woodpecker feasting on bugs from a dead tree stump. The last stage involved watercolor washes to support the line drawing or the contour. This stage shows gradations of colored pencil to provide a more subtle clarity to the picture and some pen & ink to allow for more drama. It is a riot of color now as the orange leaves swirl about the bird. I am working with this type of mixed media to spur me towards a more free approach. I still have a ways to go!! Any advise or input would be welcomed!
Dr. Mary McNaughton and Drawing 