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!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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!!!
gretchen/juneatnoon said:
So cool to see your process! I have the Drawing Lab book and love the loose nature of your drawings.
I’m totally an “instinctive,” self-taught artist, and I find that learning actual technique now and then really helps build a foundation under all that instinct, so even a simple breakdown like this really teaches me something. Thanks!
debbiejl said:
Thank you for this tutorial! It really helps to see your process. And, I dont know why its bad to rub pencil with your finger… its one of things I LOVE to do!
Jennab said:
Thank you for the tutorial! Love it!
Auntly H said:
Love seeing the layers build! I have the same question as debbiejl: why “shouldn’t” you smear the pencil with your finger?
Anna Conway said:
I love, love, love that poodle, Carla!!!
Joanie Hoffman said:
What a cute puppy, of course I’d love to win this giveaway! And Thank you for the step by step and the giveaway.
Timaree said:
I LOVE your pink poodle. Someday I am going to have a real, live pink poodle! I don’t think graphite is toxic. There is no real lead in pencils. Go ahead, use your fingers and have fun.
carlasonheim said:
Okay, I will! Thanks!
Cindy Key said:
He turned out so cute! I feel like a dork, though. I was looking at the initial drawing thinking,”Why does this poodle have a goiter?!” I finally recognized his ear! I love the finished poodle and the poufs!
carlasonheim said:
My mom had a goiter when she was a teenager, so maybe I was thinking of her!
Smush said:
You really DID do a lot of layering on that puppy. I should try that on a cat! Thanks for the tutorial!
Kim
Lisa Firke said:
I enjoy your poodle dog, and the process by which he came into being, very much! I have a poodle-bichon who would be very embarrassed if we clipped his fur into puffs, but they are very cute on your dog.
Oh, and as I think one other person also said, pencil LEAD is a misnomer. Pencils contain graphite and it’s nontoxic. But you were kidding, just to see if we’d take you too seriously, weren’t you? ; )
Monica said:
What a GREAT example of layering!! Thanks so much for the tutorial
Lisa Firke said:
Forgot to say I love the “grass.” I LOVE the grass.
Snap said:
Love you, your book, your sense of humor, your *process*… too much fun! Thank for the give=a=way. I’ll give the poodle a good home!
Cheryl Ann said:
Fun to see the process of building up the color layers on this little cutie. =)
I love seeing other artists processes. Thanks for sharing!
And OF COURSE you should use your fingers to smudge and blend. Best tools ever invented!
Julie (O-kami) said:
I love this little PoodleDog – he’s adorable.
Rebecca said:
Oh just lovely! Thanks for the tutorial!
Benedicte Caneill said:
Thank you for the great tutorial! Is this charming poodle for adoption? He is adorable!!
Diana said:
just too cool for words carla!!
Jeannie said:
Thanks for the tutorial. I do the dog exercise from your book whenever I feel stuck. It always makes me laugh and that is a good thing!
Stephanie said:
I loved seeing the steps from start to finish. And I love the finished product. His curly hair is kind of like mine in the morning!
sansku said:
thanks! i just love it when i can see an artist’s actual work process. do you ever draw lions? 🙂 i need to read your past blog entries as i’m new to your blog.
carlasonheim said:
Sansky, I don’t do lions very often, but here’s one!!
Kristin Dudish said:
Ha! I had an art teacher when I was in middle school who always used to say not to smudge our pencil lines… no real reason, just don’t do it… So I can empathize with your guilt – I still feel a twinge of it when I do it too! Ha!
I love seeing your process. Very, very cool.
xo
Kristin
p.s. How did that 2nd survey turn out? (I hope it isn’t the vicious cycle that I feared! hee hee)
carlasonheim said:
Kristin, haha… I’ll do a recap on the second survey soon, but yes, you were right — there are now 101 responses!! LOL
Marcia said:
Did you know they make smudging sticks? ha ha.. we use them in my elementary art classroom and the kids LOVE them, they feel like real artists.
Julie Schieffelin said:
love, love, love the poodle doodle! thank you so much for the tutorials. I am learning so much – mostly not to be afraid to experiment. thanks for the tip on the light colored copic markers…that’s a keeper! My 15 year old daughter and I just bought your book of creative exercises – it is going to be a big part of our summer – can’t wait!
diane said:
Just too darn cute for words……
creativitytothemax said:
I don’t think it’s a pure bred poodle. Seems to me like a love affair between a poodle and an elephant seal. Sealapoolaphant.
NaNa said:
First the tombow rabbits… and now a crayola poddle! Awesome! Thank you!
Marilyn said:
Thanks so much for this tutorial. I go straight in with heavy strong colour so I now know to go in lightly and build it up!
My daughter (a primary school teacher) visited a few days ago, saw my copy of your drawing lab book …and took off with it!! I am waiting for another copy to be arrive now 😉
Jill K. Berry said:
He looks like he might be related to my poodle, but mine got all the happy genes. And mine is not pink. I think I would really like a pink poodle, and I have always wanted to have pink hair.
Penney said:
Thank you for sharing your technique. This poodle will look fabulous next to the intestine drawing! lol
sandy said:
now THATS what i’m talkin about! thats SILLY!!!
Sherrie Roberts said:
I love this poodle. Reminds me of BoBo.
bensedin art said:
Poodle is co cute:)
Melisa said:
I love the startled expression, LOL. It was fun to watch this pooch take shape.
Kim said:
Love it! Love how you show each layer 🙂 Thanks and I’m going to show my kids 😉
dahlia said:
wonderful! thank you for the opportunity.
Penny said:
Love that poodle, mine were always black, now I have pugs! How about drawing a pug.
Thanks for offering a give away, never win bur have to be in to try.
Cindy said:
Great tutorial! Thanks. I’ve been going through your book and having a great time learning to play and draw!
Dotti said:
Carla, this is a great tutorial…I love the step by step process…and the nicest thing about it is we all practically have all these materials around our craft table….well maybe not the copics but I think I can find something to substitute. And speaking of SUBSTITUTING…you make it so fleezey to do that!!! (GRIN)
Sharon Griffith said:
OMG this was wonderful for me to see your process..I am trying to do a challenge and seeing this makes so much sense, thank you. Would love to be consider for the winner….
Gwen said:
Poodle-tastic!
Robin Mead said:
So cool to see the progression and final product…Great tutorial Carla! Thanks for sharing!
Sandy Box said:
Absolutely fantabulous. Nd amazing to see the work in progress. I think we forget how much we add to the original sketch/art piece when we are in the zone – ie creating.
Thanks heaps Carla
bev langby said:
omg i have your book and love it and just the thought of having one of your original drawings is wonderful thanks Carla
hugz bev
Barb said:
I love it when you share the step-by-step of getting from your line drawings to your full color creatures. Thanks for the tute. Thanks for the opportunity to win the prize!
bev langby said:
hehe im listening to u and Rice on the podcast now forgot to add that and just did the drawing exercise and love how my dog turned out lol
hugz bev
adee said:
I more than love it…I want totake it home with me!!!! cool work!!
Michelle Mathey - POMI said:
Do you see me jumping up and down waving my hands enthusiastically in the air?! Pick me – Pick me (please!! – don’t want to forget my manners)!!
Reem Kattan (Elga Troll) said:
I thoroughly enjoyed the tutorial and I adore the pink poodle dog! Thank you for giving aspiring artists insight on great tips and techniques for building up color. It is amazing how putting different mediums and colors together can really build up a simple drawing into something out of this world! They all go together quite harmoniously.
kunstzinnigdagboek said:
Like this poodle? How could we not?! It’s super! As your step-by-step tutorial is great. Now that my studio is still not done (hubs hurt his back and needs to go easy…poor me!), I can do with some simple-supply exercise…thanks!
I just have one question…how big is the canvas you worked on for this poodle?
Caity O'Connor said:
GREAT tute, Carla, and I do believe you have captured the essence of my apricot toy poodle, Constance Joy Woodle, in her morning grumpiness!(http://caitymakes.com/2010/10/06/and-one-with-constance/)!!
Ami Nordstrom said:
Oh this i simply beautiful. I really liked to have the opportunity to see how you work to get these marvelous creatures.
Suzanne said:
I love this poodle dog! Very crazy cute!! I think he/she would look stylin’ on my very bare wall!
Evelien said:
I really love the poodle. Nothing more, nothing less..
Isabel said:
I loved seeing the steps from start to finish.
Thanks for sharing!
edie said:
I love the poodle dog but even more I love the clear explanation of how you used multiple kinds of color to layer her pretty self! Thanks for being so generous with your time and talent!
edie
Christien - ZIZO label said:
Hi Carla, thanks for explaining the layering. I do not know those copic markers and sharpies here in Europe, but I get the idea… now it is practicing and practicing to find my own style of layering, and colour combinations. It is funny, I think I would choose other colour schemes than you, but I like yours anyway, so this makes me look further than my own. Thanks, Christien
Linda Harris said:
You always make things seem so easy!! I really love your Whimsical style.
Enjoyed your Silly 4.0 workshop!
Laura Reed said:
So anxious to begin ‘the process’, and fearful! Where does that come from? Anyway, you have tweaked my imagination, and I thank you for that. Such fun.
pam said:
i love your tutorials! i send them to my daughter so she can try them out!
icingmoon said:
Pink poodledo! Love it, thanks for the tutorials, any little bit of advice helps.
Patti said:
What a fun little poodle! I love the way you build up the colors, and the grass is a great touch.
Betty said:
I’m fascinated by the layering of color and by transparency. I tend to do monochromatic layering and get nervous when I layer colors from various parts of the color wheel. I have this little voice that, like the Parkay margarine voice, is burping and chirping the word “mud.” Time to jump into the mud puddle, splash and laugh about it then pick up my markers and play.
Julia said:
Thank you for this tutorial. You make art non-threatening!
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kunstzinnigdagboek said:
I had fun with this…
http://kunstzinnigdagboek.wordpress.com/2011/05/26/while-carla-was-under-the-weather/
Regards, Mandy
Sara said:
What a cutie! And thank you for the tutorial too, I loved seeing the process. ~ Sara
Denny said:
This poodle is great! Printing it out so I can give it a try. Thanks!
Jan Caldwell said:
Carla I like this, especially the way you explained how to do it. I am going to try your way of doing it, but improvising because I don’t have the same pencils. I think I will do this as part of my daily worksheet. This looks like a fun thing to do – mine will probably look like a Creature who follows me.
Jan
Helen Campbell said:
Carla, I love seeing how you pull it all together! It’s delightful! I wanna be like you when I grow up. 🙂
Helen
dogwood07 said:
This is a great step-by-step tutorial! You turned a simple sketch to a fantastic ‘silly’ poodle! Your instructions and pictures were very clear. I like your explanations of materials and how you use them. I can’t wait to try these techniques on one of my ‘silly’ art!!!
joanne said:
quite the color process.. the transformation was great
Jaime Morton said:
I love it! What a great way to fix up something you didn’t like at first. I’m going to try it. By the way, when I was a little girl poodles were my favorite animal!
Kim said:
I would love a pink poodle! It would go great next to my pink princess phone and tutus. As much as I love the pink, I think I like the look around her eyes the best, in fact in reminds me a lot of what I see in the mirror every morning.
Genevieve Crabe said:
I love your pink poodle! I know how to draw, but I’m trying to develop a more whimsical style. It’s not easy! But I am enjoying the Silly 4 class.
Re smearing the graphite, I recently discovered blending stomps (aka tortillons). They are my new BFFs.
Nancy said:
Very cute! I love how sketchbook drawings & play don’t have to be perfect – and that makes them very real. Thanks for sharing!
Johanna said:
Thanks so much for this tutuorial. It is so great to be able to see your process step-by-step. It really helps us newbies get an idea of how to achieve a certain look in our own work and gives me some fine ideas to play with in my journal!
Lynda said:
So cute! Now I know what to do with all my kids Crayola markers and pencils!
Gretta said:
Brilliant tutorial, thank you! The poodle is very cute and makes me smile!
laurenfinley said:
fun!
Sora said:
Very cool tutorial !!!
Cathy M. said:
Carla, I’m always so ecxited whenever you do a step-by-step tutorial. I love seeing your process and the many steps involved. The poodle is soooo cute.
Traci said:
First of all, I am a ardent and happy finger graphite smudger from way back. It is fun, it connects me with the drawing in a tactile manner, its easy, I almost always have my fingers with me so I don’t have to rely upon a smudging tool. Let’s work on letting go of that guilt, ok? 🙂
I also love this tutorial because it shows that a drawing that one doesn’t like right off can be played with and built upon and developed into something as cute, fun and unique as this little poodle. I can pull out a few old drawings now and try some new tricks!!
Thanks for sharing this!
Wendy Polidori said:
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!!!
Susan S said:
I ;
love your light touch with the markers and how you turn squiggles into animals.
TJ said:
I love your crazy and quirky animals Carla! I don’t think you should feel bad about smudging your creatures with your fingers. It’s interesting for me over here to read step-by-step how artists work. Then I can imagine if you were drinking tea or coffee that you’d leave little pencil finger prints all over the dishes!! Best wishes from germany, tj
Jane T in NW Louisiana said:
Thanks for the lesson and that is a cute dog.
Adine said:
Thank you for sharing your process!
B said:
Too late for the give away, but wow! thanks! This helps to see your process so much. Love your work!
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liesbethpk said:
Thank you for the tutorial. I’m leaving for the vet with my wounded dog and crayons. Maybe there will be a poodle who wants to stand model 🙂
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