My son is over today doing laundry and visiting. He was curious as to how I approach a watercolor. So I gave him a mini demo. First I work up some sketches with charcoal or pencil. Sometimes I get what I want the first time, sometimes not. I didn't this time. Then using a grid I draw my working sketch in the finished size (for this one a full sheet of wc paper). Next I transfer that sketch to the wc paper using a graphite sheet I have prepared ahead of time. Then I use masking fluid if I think I might mess up areas I want to save for highlights later. I then mix up paint and play around on scratch wc sheets to see what colors I will use...usually a limited palette of 3 or 4 colors in warm and cool shades. Next I start a study painting (which I've started here) but don't think of it as just a study. Who knows, it might be the better of the two! Right now, well, just waiting for the paint to dry before the next step which will be putting in more color and starting the shadow areas.........I returned to the study laying in deeper skin tones, shadows, working the eye area and mouth and lots of color for the hair. Once dry I went back in for more detailed work and finally finishing the 10x14 study. It looks a bit illustrated to me but it's hard to work really loose on such a small area. I'm excited to begin the full sheet painting soon!
All your preparation is paying off, Marta - the study is lovely and the full sheet will be amazing. I'm intimidated by half a sheet!
Hey girl, I like the new look you have going and I think you WIP is great. It is an awesome journey, this gift to recreate and see things in a new and special way. I love you slide shows, hope you don't mind if I copy you. I am looking forward to more outtings and adventures together.
Absolutely mesmorizing - fabulous work and thank you for the demo - what gorgeous children too!