Thursday, June 2, 2011

Dragon evolution

"How does a drawing of a dragonfly evolve into a painting?", you might ask.

Or you might not.

Regardless, I thought it would be fun to do a step-by-step again to show you the process in watercolor. If you were not here for an earlier post, I did this awhile ago for a complete painting: http://blog.kbcarpenter.com/2011/02/step-by-step.html

It is amazing to start with a blank sheet of paper and create something.

It all starts with a line drawing (you can click on any photo to zoom in):


Then the first wash:


Second wash, adding slightly darker values to create the form:


Third wash, deeper values and some details:




Add a few more details, deepen any values that need it, throw in a background, and voila:




Fly away little dragon!


Have a wonderful week-end.


P.S. The third dragon has been sighted in my studio. Here is the brief glimpse. (If you're not sure what I am talking about, read here.) More details to follow.


4 comments:

  1. Good sequence of photos, but I still don't think I could make my own dragon!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sure you could! Like anything else it just takes practice. Thanks for the feedback :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. The other day I was outside reading on my swing and the most gorgeous blue dragonfly came and perched right by me, staying long enough for me to thoroughly admire the wonderful juxtaposition of sturdy body and fragile wings. Of course, I immediately thought of you and your paintings. Can't wait to see your latest!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes! Well put. Aren't they amazing?

    ReplyDelete