Hello!

Here is a step-by-step process of how I might layer markers, colored pencils, and pencil when working in my sketchbooks (you can see more sketchbook drawings here and here!)

STEP 1

I drew a quick line drawing on 5″ x 7″ watercolor paper (140# hot press Fabriano). I used an ultra fine point black Sharpie (permanent marker). I tried to hold the pen loosely in my hand, but I wasn’t particularly happy with the drawing, so I am going to try and “fix” it with color.

STEP 2

I was thinking it was a poodle, and poodles have curly fur! So I started out making the curly marks with a light grey Copic marker (#T2). I like Copics because they come in a whole range of VERY LIGHT colors, which I like to use when layering my colors (instead of drawing bright colors right off the bat, I prefer to build the colors up slowly through transparent layering).

STEP 3

Next I added some light gold colored pencil (just a Crayola I had lying around). I’ve drawn two little “patches” in the lower left corner to show how I like to lay colored pencil down. Instead of pressing really HARD at this point (the far left mark), I press very lightly. Since I’m going to be adding more transparent layers of color on top later, I know that, even though the color looks “blah” right now, it will BUILD into something more interesting as I go along.

STEP 4

Next I added some pink Crayola marker (yes, the cheap kind). Since it was a darker shade, I added it to the areas of the dog I thought might be in shadow, such as the bottom of its snout, around the ears, etc. I also threw a few random pink marks in the body to tie it together, and “puffed out” some poodle hair on the head, tail, ear and feet.

STEP 5

Added red colored pencil in similar areas. I worked both the lighter shade and a few darker lines for the curls.

STEP 6

Now I added some pencil shading (using a regular mechanical pencil from the office supply store). I tried to get the darker pencil into the nooks and crannies where I imagine shadows might be (under the hair tuft, for example). I smeared it with my finger, which I always do but know I shouldn’t! (Note re: smudging! I’m thinking the LEAD isn’t good to rub into my skin and system, but I do it anyway! Update on the Update: Several readers have pointed out that it’s GRAPHITE and non-toxic. Well, then, oil from the fingers on the paper = not good? All I know is that I feel slightly guilty every time I rub pencil with my finger. But I do it anyway!)

STEP 7

The strong line of the original sketch around the fur tufts was bothering me, so I went back to the black Sharpie and added more dark lines to the tufts of hair to try and obscure those original lines a bit. I also, continued the “grass” on the bottom, to give the dog something to stand on and make those marks make more sense!

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Phew, you made it to the end!

And now for the GIVEAWAY!

If you like this little poodle dog, leave a comment on this post and I will pick a winner randomly at noon on Friday, May 27th. I’ll send the winner the original!

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AND THE WINNER IS… commenter #88

Wendy Polidori 

Comment: Thank you for the tutorial. It really helps to see all the steps and I’m excited to try my hand at layering. And ditto Lisa…LOVE the grass!!!