Tuesday, February 13, 2007



Waterscapes done with Watercolor Pencils
The rocks in the waterfall picture were done with Derwent Graphitint, the remaining objects (including the water) were done with Derwent Inktense watercolor pencils. The ocean scene was done with the Inktense only. I REALLY liked the graphitint for the rocks, I used 3 different pigments and colored them dry and added water with a brush. I think the graphitint really added a texture quality. I had some difficulty with the ocean scene - which is from a photo taken by Joe Philipson on the island of Oahu. You can see Joe's photo here: http://flickr.com/photos/jphilipson/307053727/in/set-72157594265577907/
First of all, I really messed up on the sky and on the rocks along the shoreline. I had recently read over at WetCanvas that Magic Eraser (the cleaning sponges made by Mr. Clean) worked well to lift watercolor. Watercolor pencils are actually more permanent than tube watercolors and I wasn't sure if the Magic Eraser would work or not, but decided to give it a try. It DID work, although I had to rub a little bit and did get some slight paper damage. I think a lighter touch would work fine with tube paint and will definitely keep a piece of this sponge in my paint kit!! I cut a small piece off of the Magic Eraser, dampened it with water and then rubbed the area I wanted to remove. I still had trouble with the rain clouds in the sky, even though I did the wet-in-wet technique by wetting the paper and then running a wet brush over the tip of the pencil and then dropping the pigment in. I think this particular seascape would be better if done with tube paint and may try that. I'm ready to continue on in Kate's book, Watercolor Pencil Magic!

8 comments:

Julie Oakley said...

Lovely illustrations Brenda, and I like the sandstone rocks below as well. I was fascinated by the tip, but can't get those sponges over here. My only concern would be whether the chemicals in the sponge, might, in the long term, degrade the paper.

Teri said...

These are beautiful landscapes or rather seascapes.

I'm glad you made a mistake now we can all benefit from it. Thanks for sharing that bit of info about the sponge.

Brenda Yarborough said...

There are no chemicals in the Magic Eraser cleaning sponges. Several people at WetCanvas did some research on them. To read more about this amazing new art tool, go to:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=400778

Emma Pod said...

Hi Brenda, Such pretty scenes! I think your skies look great! I love the turquoise colors of the islands and the ocean...these are such peaceful paintings. Thanks for all the info on the different products. I haven't used watercolor pencils, but I have some. The whole watercolor thing is HARD. You did wonderful work!

laserone_ said...

Really Nice! :)

Lin said...

Brenda -- thank you for all your generous and kind support during this trying time!!!

I've so enjoyed your sketches, especially these ... the waterfall is SUPERB as is the shore .. BRAVA, cara, you're doing so so wonderfully!

Brenda Yarborough said...

Thank you everyone!! I've wanted to play with w/c pencils for the longest time and it has been DELIGHTFUL to work through Kate's book.

Anonymous said...

You did a good job because I recognized that to be my photo instantly!

www.insidejoeshead.com