Northern Parula with Watercolor Pencils Step-by-Step
A key to success with watercolor pencils is to apply a base coat of local color (the hue of the object) with dry pencils. Then add water to smooth and blend the colors. Let the page dry, then add shadows and details with dry pencils. The water is applied in the middle of the drawing, not the end. Print out the watercolor pencil worksheet to follow along with the demonstration.
As you work, Pay attention to the “lumps” of feathers. These masses, called feather tracts, have seperate origins on the bird’s skin and have diferent sizes, patterns, textures, and colors. Sculpt these into your drawing.
Click on the first image below to start a step-by-step slideshow.
Draw the bird with a dark brown watercolor pencil. This will blend with your other colors better than a black pencil.
Layer colors to create the “local color”. This is the color of the bird without shadows.
Smooth and blend the local color layer with water.
Let the page dry and add shadows on the body with light grey-lavender pencils. On the darker feathers shade with a darker purple-gray. From this point forward you may use either regular colored pencils or watercolor pencils as you will not be adding any more water to the bird.
Use a black pencil the wings and face, being careful not to smudge the high contrast wing feathers.
Add a little rust on the belly and a highlight on the back and head with a white pencil.
If you want to add a simple background, you can draw a frame behind the bird and add a gradient of color.
Add leaf shapes for a more complex background (I think I like the simple one better).
You many add water to blend and smooth the background but the drawing now feels a little overworked. Compare this with the simple color gradient background. Which do you like better?
