...Watercoloring Tutorial

As promised, I am so excited to bring you my watercoloring tutorial! I have received so many emails and questions regarding how I color my images, how I achieve shadows and highlights, etc. Hopefully this will address any and all aspects of my certain type of coloring. Keep in mind this is how I color, and others may do things quite differently...but this has worked for me so far! LOL! Here we go...

Supplies:

• Watercolor Paper (I use 90 lb. Fabriano Watercolor Paper)
• Water-filled Painter Pen (I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby in the painting section, or you can use the Aquapainter from SU)
• Water-Based Ink Pads and Refills (I use SU's Classic Ink Pads)
• Solvent Ink Pad (I use Jet Black Staz-On Ink, or you can stamp the image in Black Craft Ink and emboss it)
• Paper Towel
• Outlined Image to Color

Step One:
I always start by checking my watercolor brush to make sure that I do not have too much water in it. I brush it across the side of my finger...if a bead of water rolls off, then there is too much in it. It should only leave a faint trail of water, but if it doesn't you can simply wipe off the excess onto a paper towel. This may have to be done several times until the right amount of water is in the brush.









Step Two:
Choose an image to be colored. I like using outlined images like these Bugga-Boos Gingersnaps from C.C. Designs.













Step Three: Stamp image onto Watercolor Paper. Normally I would stamp the image in Basic Black Craft Ink, then emboss it with Clear Embossing Powder if it has simple lines like these. For more intricate and detailed images, I would stamp them in Jet Black Staz-On Ink without embossing them. This allows you to get color into every little nook and cranny without having to worry about blank spaces.

Step Four:

Start coloring! I always start with the face...don't know why, but I do! LOL! I use SU Classic Ink Pads, because you can create a palette by simply squeezing the lid of the pad against the ink pad while it's closed. If there isn't enough ink in the lid you can also add a drop or two of ink from a refill bottle (in picture: left pad has a drop added while the right pad was just squeezed).

Step Five:

I always start with the light color...in this case Blush Blossom. I completely fill in the face with the same amount of color all over. I allow it to dry, then add more of the same color where I want the shadow to fall (you can also speed up dry time using a Heat Tool/Gun). Usually I have my light source coming in from the left, so the left side should be lighter than the right.

Step Six:

I make the shadows stand out by adding a darker color in the same color family...in this case Creamy Caramel. I only add it where the shadows would fall, though...the right side of her face, and under her hair line.

***TIP: Be sure to always clean your brush before moving on to the next color. Simply whip it on the paper towel until the brush runs clear. If I'm using a darker shade of one color, I will wait to clean it until I move on to a totally different color family.

Step Seven:

If you would like to create more highlight than is already visible, simply brush WATER ONLY over the area you wish to make lighter...

Step Eight:

...and while the area is still wet, dab it with a paper towel. This will remove the color, and it can be repeated until you get the look you want.

***TIP: Steps 7 & 8 can be used if you color outside the lines, and wish to correct it. Simple repeat until the unwanted color is gone.

Step Nine:
I add a little blush on her cheeks using Cameo Coral. If the blush needs to be lightened, repeat Steps 7 & 8 on that area.

Step Ten:
Move on to the next colors...I used So Saffron and Crushed Curry on the inner parts of the wings, and repeated Steps 5-8 starting with saffron until the desired look was achieved. Remember to pay special attention to the highlights and shadows, and remember which way the light source is directed.

Step Eleven:
Same as Step 10 using Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose starting with the lightest shade to color her bodice and tights. Remember to add highlights and shadows!

Step Twelve:

Move on to her leotard, and repeat Step 1o using Certainly Celery and Old Olive starting with celery.

Step Thirteen:
Finish her wings by repeating Step 10 with Almost Amethyst and Lavender Lace starting with amethyst.

Step Fourteen:

Her hair is the final step! Repeat Step 10 using Pumpkin Pie and Dusty Durango starting with pumpkin.

And VIOLA.....a watercolored image with highlights and shadows!!! I decided to created the ground with a Black Sharpie Pen, and watercolored it before adding the image to the completed card. You can see my Flutter By Wednesday card HERE.

Keep in mind that watercoloring is a technique that must be practiced...you may or may not get it on the first try, but don't give up! It takes a while to get the hang of moving color around and blending, but the result is just wonderful...and I honestly find watercoloring therapeutic. I love being able to sit down and zone out for a while. It takes me back to my childhood when I would pile up in the floor with all of my crayons and coloring books! LOL!

That's it for me today! I hope you enjoyed the tutorial, and I will see you back here with another Farm Fresh Friday installment. Until then...