In this article I follow along with a project from the book, “Watercolor in Nature” by Rosalie Haizlett, showing how to sketch an animal using basic shapes, then using those shapes as guidelines for proportion, erasing a lot, then inking techniques over the finished sketch and finally watercolor painting techniques to bring the illustration alive!
Frog illustration from the book, “Watercolor in Nature”, in ink and watercolors on paper by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Some of the things you will learn from this workshop include:
my favorite book about nature illustration;
blocking out animals in geometric shapes with pencil;
techniques for lightly sketching and erasing the animal outline around the geometric shapes;
techniques for inking over the pencil outline;
mixing and layering watercolors;
and more…
The simple tools needed for nature illustration on watercolor paper; watercolor paints, 2B pencil, eraser, permanent fineliner pens and watercolor brushes.
Nature Painting in Ink and Watercolors Workshop Video Replay
Below is the full video workshop of my Live painting session. The paints, surfaces and accessories used in the video are listed afterwards in this article. Enjoy! 🎨
Here are the video timeline sections if you want to jump to a particular part of the live session:
0:00:00 - Intro To Nature Illustration
As mentioned during the workshop, here are the reference photo websites I like to use for royalty free images:
https://pixabay.com/
https://unsplash.com/
https://www.pexels.com/
Here are the 2 sizes of Sakura Micron Pens in Black that I used in this workshop:
05
Graphic 1
Here are the main QoR paint colors I used for this workshop: Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green, Hookers Green, Cadmium Yellow Light, Quin Scarlet, Quin Crimson, Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide, Transparent Red Iron Oxide, Natural Brown Umber.
Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions in the comments below. Thanks for watching! 😍
Fox illustration painting in ink and watercolors on paper by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Supplies List for Nature in Ink and Watercolors Workshop
Here are links to the book and supplies list for the papers, paints and accessories shown during the video. As a Blick Affiliate and Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases for links below that lead to Blick Art Materials or Amazon.
Book: Watercolor in Nature by Rosalie Haizlett Paperback (2021) - https://amzn.to/48KjEbO
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Blackwing Pencils 2B Lead with Erasers - https://amzn.to/4rJIUY8
Staedtler Mars White Erasers Set of 3 - https://amzn.to/4iJIw88
Kristy Rice Watercolor Travel Palette 12 Colors - https://amzn.to/4pkYPtW
Empty Watercolor Half Pans (48) with Magnetic Backing Sheets - https://amzn.to/4oSl5vz
Kristy Rice Paintcrush Empty Watercolor Palettes in Different Styles - https://amzn.to/4o9ZxJB
QoR Watercolors on Blick - https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fqor-modern-watercolors%2F
Sakura Micron Pigma Permanent Markers Various Sizes and Colors Plus Sets on Blick - https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fsakura-pigma-micron-pen%2F%3FItem%3D20702-8135
Winsor & Newton Fineliner Markers Colors on Blick - https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fwinsor-newton-fineliner%2F
Jack Richeson Watercolor Paper Cold Press 135lb 6x9in 50 Sheets - https://amzn.to/44WkMrx
Canson XL Coldpress Watercolor Paper Pad 140lb 9x12in 30 Sheets - https://amzn.to/488fvzr
Canson XL Coldpress Watercolor Paper Wire Bound 140lb 9x12in 30 Sheets - https://amzn.to/3Xh1n0n
Princeton Velvetouch Brushes Set of 4 - https://amzn.to/48oIZZR
Princeton Velvetouch 3/8in Blender Brush - https://amzn.to/4iGSreJ
Jack Richeson 7-Well Small Flower Ceramic Mixing Palette - https://amzn.to/3LVuROW
Faber Castell Collapsible Tulip Edge Brush Holder Water Cup - https://amzn.to/3Pxxyon
Wood Brush Rest Stand Set of 2 Holds 4 Brushes Each - https://amzn.to/3OrurOi
My Recommended Cloth-Like Viva Paper Towels 3 Double Rolls - https://amzn.to/3EPZhOW
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Note that most of the list of supplies above can be found on the Blick Art Materials website and shipping is generally free for orders of $69 or more. Check them out here: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2F
************************************If you would like to see other paints, mediums and art supplies that I recommend, click below to go to the Supply Links page on my website:
https://www.dietzart.gallery/supply-links
Or, check out art supply recommendations on my Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
https://www.amazon.com/shop/tristinadietzelmes
FREE Live Art Lessons Sunday Afternoons
SUNDAY afternoons I teach a FREE ART LESSON simulcast on YouTube Live and on the WhatNot auction platform followed by a giveaway and sale of my handmade artworks, gift items and some art supplies on WhatNot. You can follow the QR code appearing in the YouTube video or follow the Invite link in the video description to join me on WhatNot for some great Live Auction Art & Gifts deals.
If you're new to Whatnot, sign up with the following link and get $15 in Whatnot credit to use to shop on the platform:
https://www.whatnot.com/invite/tristi...
I hope you'll join me and the thriving Artisan community over on WhatNot soon!
Where to Find My Links
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https://www.dietzart.gallery/newsletter 📜
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Happy Arting! 🎉