DT103 Colored Pencil Stew

With Eileen Sorg

8 weeks   Technical 3   Open 1   Shading 2

In this fun and informative 8-week course, you learn watercolor and colored pencil application tips, and how to extract the best qualities of each medium. I teach you how to combine pen and ink, watercolor, and colored pencil to create richly detailed, pieces of art. The mixed media approach allows for a quick build up of color and value while still leaving room for the beautiful detail and control of colored pencil.

This project is completed in 3 stages, which are broken down into smaller, manageable steps. At the end of stages 1 and 2 I will have you upload your work so I can assess your progress and make sure you are ready to proceed to the next stage. After stage 3 is completed I will again ask to see your work for a final critique prior to sealing the drawing with a layer of fixative.

Week 1: Getting Started

• Explanation of supplies
• Why I use 3 mediums – the benefits of mixed media
• Transferring your line drawing to the drawing paper
• Mounting paper to gatorboard or masonite
• Exercise – a simple drawing to get started

Week 2: Stage 1 - Ink

• Description of different pen types, sizes, and mark making
• Exercise – Practice mark making with pens
• Exercise – Capabilities of drawing over ink
• Project – Ink all dark areas in class project
• Upload your drawing so I can make sure you are ready for Stage 2

Week 3: Stage 2 – Watercolor

• Basic tips on watercolor (swatches, mixing color, brands, paint types)
• Brush handling
• Preparing paper for watercolor
• Exercise – practicing watercolor washes
• Project – Watercolor wash background and tabletop in class project

Week 4: Stage 2 – Watercolor continued

• Project – Watercolor bird and teacup.
• Upload your work so I can make sure you are ready to move on to Stage 3

Week 5: Stage 3 – Colored Pencil (The Basics)

• Basic tips on colored pencil application including pressure, sharpness, angle, brands, sharpeners, and speed.
• Exercise – Pressure control making swatches
• Exercise – Building up layers
• Exercise – Blending

Week 6: Stage 3 – Colored Pencil continued

• Exercise – blending with dry brush or solvent
• Project – Apply colored pencil over watercolor background in project and shade tabletop

Week 7: Stage 3 – Colored Pencil continued

• Project – Base coat teacup in colored pencil with emphasis on smooth shading

Week 8: Stage 3 – Colored Pencil Final Details

• Project – Pencil in the flowers and leaves on teacup and gold trim work
• Project – Highlighting with pencil and gouache
• Upload your completed artwork for final critique and to make sure you are ready for fixative
• Project – Signing your name and spraying with fixative
• Tips on matting and framing