coloured roses in aquarelle

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES: GOLDFABER AQUA

STEP 1: When using a new art supply for the first time I always suggest making a swatch page. This helps you get used to your new supplies and provides valuable information about the colour of the pencils. As I have learned, the colour on the pencil doesn’t always reflect the colour that goes down on the page.

STEP 2: For this painting I went with the ‘Rule Of Odds’ by painting 3 roses. I sketched out my drawing as lightly as I could using the Faber Castell Graphite Aquarelle pencil in HB to avoid any harsh pencils lines when I start to add the watercolours. I usually use reference photos as I tend to go for realism in my art.

STEP 3: My approach to these pencils was to start off using very light layers of colour, as you can see in the top left petal, with my first blue layer. I then used a small water brush to “melt” the pencil strokes and turn the colour into a beautiful light watercolour wash. Watercolours make blending different colours really easy!

STEP 4: Continue to add layers, (don’t be afraid of layers!), until you get the desired colour saturation and placement. Watercolour pencils are great for getting precision in colour placement. Don’t forget to let each layer dry completely before moving on.

STEP 5: For the inside of the rose, the shapes can get complex and it can be easy to get lost in all the petals. I used the pencils like regular coloured pencils to map out the shapes of the petals to allow myself to follow the reference more easily. When going for realism I find it best to follow shapes you see in your reference photo. Just trust the photo and don’t try draw what your brain thinks you should!