Well, Jack is turning out (up to now) to be a very enjoyable subject. I'm trying a new working method, and so far so good. What I usually do is outline the subject and rough in the features, then sort of paint and draw as I go. Problem is, when I need to make a correction I'm not just erasing a pencil line, I'm erasing colored pencil... sometimes several layers. I never thought I'd want to do a highly detailed drawing first (guess I'm too eager to get to the color)... but I did this time. And guess what? It seems to be working better! (I know that's a "duh" because I've read countless times to make a really good drawing first... but oh well.... I'm catching on slowly but surely :-)
I'm also working on colored Stonehenge, which is a first for me. My previous colored pencil work has been on a white support. I haven't decided yet how I feel about it. Jack has patches of white fur and I had a difficult time getting the white to be really white. After trying two brands of white cp, a white Stabilo pencil and white oil pastel (on scrap paper), I painted in the white patches with white gouache....which is what you see in the first WIP. The next two WIP's are color work done in colored pencil. Lighting is not too good on these pics... taken indoors on different days... and today it's raining as we're beginning to feel the effects of Hurricane Ida..... we're expecting 4-5 inches of rain over the next three days - get the galoshes out!
If anyone has any tips about an easier way to get a true white when working on a colored support.... I'm all ears!
18 comments:
Can't help with the white CP, but I can offer encouragement - looks like you're off to a great start!!
This is going to be a fabulous piece! I've always had trouble getting true white on colored paper too, so I'm anxious to hear what others say.
This is looking lovely, Teresa!
I don't do much cp but I've heard that a layer of white charcoal pencil then white cp over the top of it can work. I suppose it depends on the color of your support though.
I've also heard that a layer of a light color (other than white cp) can be used then the white goes on top of that.
Keep us posted if you find anything that really works!
This is looking great! I never would have thought of using gouache but it's a brilliant idea! The only colored supports I have worked on are sanded surfaces like pastel board or colourfix. On colourfix, even though it's sanded, which does allow the marks to sit on top and read as white, they are never really white. On pastel board it's the same, or I'd use neocolor II as an underpainting, to get those white spaces as white as possible. I'll be looking forward to seeing this one develop and hearing how the gouache works out. May have to "borrow' that idea sometime :-)
Jack is off to a great start! Congrats on the detailed drawing!! :-)
White cps look fabulous on coloured supports but judging from your photos, I am guessing your coloured Stonehenge isn't a dark coloured paper. Is it grey? The darker the paper, the better the white shows up. Jan's suggestions are worth is a try. Other than that, just keep your pencil sharp and apply lots of light layers (of course you can press hard if you want to burnish the tooth of the paper).
For what it is worth, the white is showing up well on the computer! Probably once you get the dark values/fur in, the white will show up the way you want it to. Hang in there - it will work out!!
Wow, this is looking really good....sorry I don't have any suggestions but the previous comments sounds like a good idea....I will keep them in mind myself!
Wow, this really is a patient process Teresa - it's looking good. Best wishes in the rain!
Great start. (Use white paper lol)
Sorry Teresa, can`t help there, but
It`s coming along fine. Can`t wait
to see the completed painting. All
the best Teresa.
Vic.
Wouldn't know about the white, Teresa - it looks great to me. That pic has already got personality.
Sorry about the weather, Jack looks great. I can't wait to see him finished. Good luck on the white, I can't help with that.
You have captured him in the sketch!
Vicki
So far, he looks terrific! I know nothing about white cp. I'm looking forward to your next WIP photo.
Looking good so far. Looking at the ref. photo though I don't think you really need the white to be bright do you? To me his ears and muzzle look pink and grey respectively (but that could be my monitor).
Look forward to the next WIP
Sounds as though you're really enjoying the process Teresa. I think sometimes things just 'click' into place.
Has Hurricame Ida passed by you now? I hope you've survived unscathed.
You asked about my berries shot. It was neither macro nor super macro. How's your new camera coming along?
Have a good weekend.
Great Teresa. Keep going my friend.
All the best.
Vic.
White gouache should be a good choice. Be glad to know how it does work out for you. Jack is all ready looking mighty handsome
ooh, this is coming along so nicely! Hope you got the advice you needed.
What patience you have! I can't wait to see the final image of Jack.
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