Demonstration: Unusual Color

As noted, one of my favorite combinations for sketching on the spot is a dark wax-based colored pencil and watercolor. Sometimes an unusual color (rather than black, dark brown or dark gray) offers a livelier effect. In this case, I chose Indigo.

Materials

¹⁄₂" (1.25cm) flat brush, small bristle brush, assorted watercolor pigments, Indigo colored pencil, watercolor paper or journal

STEP ONE: Identify the Image

The trees beside our campsite at Fish Creek Pond caught my eye.

STEP TWO: Create a Sketch Plan

I used an Indigo wax-based colored pencil to lay in the underlying sketch.

STEP THREE: Apply a First Wash

I added the first light colors using waterbrushes and watercolors.

STEP FOUR: Apply a Second Wash

When the first washes are dry, I added stronger values and brighter colors.

STEP FIVE: Apply Final Touches

I used a small bristle brush and jabbing strokes to suggest the lacy pine tree overhanging the lake.