Click here to see larger photo Actual size approx. 4-1/2" X 4-1/2"

Many stampers and artists use colored pencils or watercolor pens, but few seem to have explored the combination of the two. Subtle and exciting effects can be achieved by using both together, layering light colored watercolor pen over and under pencil. Let's explore both basic pencil technique and combining pencil and watercolor markers.

It is best to use a smear proof ink when stamping images that will be colored with pen and pencil. Also use a good quality paper or cardstock that is smooth in texture.

Many stamp images are very well suited to these techniques, and in many cases, do some of the work for you by using little dots or lines to indicate where the shading is. If the image has no implied shading, then you must create these areas for yourself.

To do so is not difficult if you create an imaginary light source. This imaginary light source will help you decide where the shading should be in your image. To help you visualize this, you might wish to place a small black dot somewhere on your paper away from the image. This black dot will be your light source. If you imagine this dot as a lamp, then the parts of the image closest to the dot will receive the full light and those further away will be in the shade. Folds of a dress are easy to imagine. The side of the fold closest to the light source should be the lightest or brightest and the other side of the fold will be in shadow with a darker color.

When combining pen and pencil, I like to start out with the shading first. I lightly pencil in the shading with colored pencil in the color I have chosen. In the sample, this is illustrated in the Winter Fairy's wings. The darker blue was colored in first. Then over top of this darker blue pencil, I came back with a pale colored blue watercolor pen. Using the pen over the pencil gives the pencil a smoother, richer texture. After coloring in the wings, I went back over some of the darker areas with pencil once more, adding even darker tones. The veins in the pointsettia leaves and petals were done in a similar manner, working dark to light, then dark again, allowing for a wonderful blended effect.

Experiment and play with combining these two mediums! It's really fun and you will be an expert "colorer" in no time!

Enchanted Ink has a large selection of fairies and other whimsical and enchanting creatures!
Many RSmakers.org members carry accessories like Waterclor markers and colored Pencils. Please check the Products database to see who carries them.

 

More Seasonal Fairies Here are the Spring, Summer and Fall fairies that match this week's "Winter Fairy" project. Below is a special offer to purchase all four fairies for stamping year 'round!