Watercolor as a Drawing Medium

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 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.

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.

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!

Using Watercolor to add Intensity to your Drawing

November 25, 2013 § Leave a comment

This is a piece depicting chili peppers used to demonstrate to my drawing students how watercolor can support drawing. I added pen and ink and pastel to refine the details and add intensity. I particularly enjoy the looseness of the wash with the clarity of the pen and pastel.

November 25, 2013 § 1 Comment

I am returning to watercolor after many years to explore its use with colored pencil and ink. So far, I am very excited as it has lent a vibrancy to my work that was lacking. This is a piece completed some years ago. If anyone has any tips of their own, please feel free to share!!