Painting with colored pencils pdf

Painting with colored
pencils









Step 1. The Line Drawing
The first step in creating a new painting is a line
drawing that shows placement of objects. A line
drawing can be simple outlines of shapes or can be
detailed rendering of objects. Then the lines are
transferred to paper or board for the final painting. To
keep my paper clean, I usually transfer only one area at
a time whichever area I plan to work on next.

Step 2. Value Decisions
There are many decisions to be made in the creation of
a painting - one judgment is about value. To hold the
viewer's attention, it is important to have a good range
of value. I color the darkest areas first. The lightest
value is the white of the paper. With both ends of the
value scale established, I can better determine the
middle values.

Step 3. Underpainting
Form and volume of the tablecloth surrounding the
main subject is created by applying French Gray in a
range of values. Once it is a believable likeness
portraying form and volume through value, color will
be added. This underpainting or grisaille process
separates value decisions from color decisions.

Step 4. Add Color to the Foundation
Subtle colors reflected upon the tablecloth from the
flowers and vase are added. Juxtaposed colors -
placing
colors next to one another - instead of direct layering
adds interest. The holes in the tablecloth and details of
the vase are defined and darkened with Indigo Blue
and Black.






Step 5. The Main Subject
The local color of the main subject is pink. The darkest
value of the local color - in this case, Black Cherry - is

applied to areas where there is an absence of light. The
form and volume of the petals is created by applying
color to and/or around each individual petal.

Step 6. Play Up the Light
To allow light to bathe the scene from the left, selected
flower petals are left uncolored. The white of the paper
represents strong sunlight. Where soft adjustment of
previously applied color is needed, the area can be
dabbed with reusable adhesive to gently lift color.





Step 7. Subtle Adjustments
Indigo Blue was added to
cool and push back areas that
advanced because they were too warm. Complimentary
color was added to neutralize both left and right lower
corners.



"Blessed Event"
22" x 23" Colored Pencil
on Rising Museum Board