Second Stage Using Mixed media of Colored pencil and Watercolo
February 16, 2016 § Leave a comment
The next stage is the addition of watercolor to the contour. Windsor&Newton is a brand I highly recommend.
Stages in a Mixed Media Drawing
February 15, 2016 § Leave a comment
I recently have been working with mixed media works using colored pencil and watercolor. This first piece of a pileated woodpecker is the contour which provides the framework for my drawing. I can’t stress enough how important this stage is in revealing your personality as an artist, demonstrating form in the subject, and laying out your composition. I draw quite blind and by that I mean I keep my eye on the subject and let my hand become a tool of the eye. Prismacolor is one brand of colored pencil I use often.
Old Man in the Eaves
February 4, 2016 § Leave a comment
A drawing from awhile ago of a sculpture on the face of Pillsbury Hall on the University of MN campus. This is from another vantage point and is in colored pencil with Conte’ crayon on Canson paper (the rough side).
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!!
http://amzn.to/2001iXP 
http://amzn.to/1VxTPxX 
http://amzn.to/2006b36 
http://amzn.to/1VxWasO 
http://amzn.to/1PM897S
Area of Focus
January 24, 2016 § 2 Comments
In this drawing on colored paper, I centered the white around the head of Lauren, my sleeping child. Doing so helps create an area of focus and an element of drama. Chiaroscuro encompasses the style of drawing or painting which reveal an illuminated subject in a darkened environment. The contour line in the outer areas leads you in and out of the composition.
Using Contour as the Framework
January 24, 2016 § Leave a comment
I will be recommending books that I believe will help you along your journey of self discovery through drawing and will start with my book the Little Book of Drawing; a Friendly Approach. This book is unlike others in that it highlights the contour line as the framework for your personality and emotion, composition, and reveals form and depth. My drawing of Lauren illustrates the importance of the contour. Notice that my contour is unique with its curvilinear quality and quirkiness. Yours will be much different. By allowing your hand and pencil to become an extension of your eye, you lose your inhibitions and connect with the subject. This gradated pencil drawing allows that line or contour to show through.
Serial Imagery Based on the Theme of Relection
January 14, 2016 § 1 Comment
This still life drawing in pencil also speaks to the subject of reflection. Our big red tabby, Jake had to get in on the action and so I incorporated him into the composition.
Still Life in Pencil
January 14, 2016 § Leave a comment
This is a still life completed in pencil and was one of the first pieces in a series based upon the subject of reflection. Here, I inserted a small mirrored image of myself.
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.
The Mysterious Nature of a Two Year Old
January 7, 2016 § 2 Comments
Many years ago I sat and drew my daughter as she slept on the couch. You see, she had moved there from her bed almost on the stroke of midnight on her birthday until she turned three. There was no reasoning with her. The sofa was where she was going to sleep and only there!! She was such a great subject to draw and I made full opportunity of the situation!!
Dr. Mary McNaughton and Drawing 