Watercolor pencils are a versatile tool that combines the precision of colored pencils with the fluidity of watercolor. Using them for underpainting can provide a solid foundation for your artwork, allowing you to build layers of color and depth effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore three practical examples of using watercolor pencils for underpainting that cater to different artistic styles and subjects.
In this example, we will create a serene landscape scene using watercolor pencils as an underpainting technique. This approach helps establish the basic shapes and colors before applying more detailed layers.
Begin by sketching the horizon line and basic shapes of trees and hills on your watercolor paper. Choose a light green for the hills and a soft blue for the sky. Using your watercolor pencils, lightly color in the areas of the sky and hills, keeping the colors soft and blended.
Next, take a wet brush and gently go over the colored areas. The water will activate the pencil pigments, creating a smooth wash that serves as the underpainting for your landscape. Once dry, you can add more layers with traditional watercolors or colored pencils to enhance details and add depth.
Notes: For a more dramatic effect, consider using darker shades for shadows in the landscape, like deep green or brown, and blend them with water for a natural transition.
This example focuses on creating a vibrant floral composition. Using watercolor pencils for underpainting allows you to lay a colorful foundation for the flowers, which can then be built upon for added texture and detail.
Start by lightly sketching the outline of your flowers on the paper. Choose a variety of colors for the petals, such as soft pinks, yellows, and purples. With your watercolor pencils, fill in the petals, using broad strokes to capture the basic shapes and colors. You can also add some greens for the leaves.
Once the initial layer is applied, take a damp brush and gently wash over the colored areas. This will create a soft, blended effect that acts as an underpainting. After it dries, go back in with your watercolor pencils or traditional watercolors to add intricate details, highlights, and shadows to the petals and leaves.
Notes: Experiment with different pencil techniques like cross-hatching or stippling before wetting to achieve unique textures in your floral pieces.
For this example, we’ll explore how to use watercolor pencils for underpainting in a portrait. This technique can help establish skin tones and facial features before refining with more precise details.
Begin by sketching the basic proportions of the face on a piece of watercolor paper. Select a range of skin tone colors, from light peach to warm brown. Lightly layer these colors onto the areas of the face, such as the cheeks, forehead, and chin, being mindful to leave space for highlights.
After applying the colors, use a damp brush to blend the pencil marks into a smooth underpainting. This creates a soft, luminous effect that serves as the foundation for your portrait. Once dry, you can layer additional colors, refining shadows and highlights to create depth and realism in the skin tones.
Notes: Consider using complementary colors for shadows, like purples or greens, to enhance the dimensionality of the face in your portrait.
By trying out these examples of using watercolor pencils for underpainting, you can develop your own unique style while honing your skills in layering and blending. Happy painting!