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!!!!
Stages of Edie; Adding Watercolor to the Contour
February 24, 2016 § Leave a comment
The next stages of the drawing of Edie involves adding watercolor to the colored pencil contour. For this piece, I used a 280-300 lb Fabriano hotpress watercolor paper that does not move when moistened and provides smooth washes.
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.
Using Form as Framework
July 16, 2015 § 2 Comments
This is a watercolor of my Mother holding my sister, Karlin. My Mother’s form was not completed with detail, but instead was used a stabilizing and supporting element surrounding the baby. Notice how the arms and legs of the mother leads you into the area of focus; the child.
Sunflower
May 18, 2014 § Leave a comment
This is one of my first attempts at pairing watercolor with colored pencil of a tall sunflower past it’s prime.
Rough Stage with Watercolor for The Pileated Woodpecker
April 23, 2014 § Leave a comment
This is the next stage completing the washes of watercolor for the pileated woodpecker. This leg in the journey accomplishes a roughing in of the colors and composition. I currently am using watercolor to allow greater freedom with my drawing and provide more intensity. Do many of you work with mixed media and if so, what are your techniques?
Watercolor Washes for the Pileated Woodpecker
April 13, 2014 § 2 Comments
This is the next stage as I finally get to laying in the watercolor washes for the pileated woodpecker. It was seen in my daughter and son in law’s yard feeding on insects from a dead tree stump. I will add colored pencil 
as the final step to give greater depth, nuances, and hue to the contour with washes. I’m hoping that this combination will allow my drawing to become more free. I see it is still a work in process!!
Final Version of Edie; Colored Pencil over Watercolor Washes
March 4, 2014 § Leave a comment
This is the final version of Edie; a drawing for Deviant Art. I previously posted the contour or line drawing and the contour supported by watercolor washes. This last stage entails layering colored pencil over the watercolor to give the drawing added impact. I am struck by how sweet this puppy is!! What kind eyes she has!!
Watercolor Washes for the Drawing of Edie
February 22, 2014 § Leave a comment
This is the next stage in a drawing of Edie for Deviant Art; a show designed to bring attention to the wonderful nature of Pit Bulls and Rotties. Here, I’ve created under layers of watercolor washes to the colored pencil that will come next. You learn so much about the nature of the dog after drawing her. I now see so clearly her loving personality through her eyes and the power of the dog by the shape of the skull under that fur. Edie’s yin and yang face provides that balance we seek as we see the lights in the dark half and lights in the dark. Still plugging away. Next comes the colored pencil!!
Dr. Mary McNaughton and Drawing 