In order to continue my mission to draw all the time and fill up more sketchbooks in 2016, I’ve been busy working on a new theme of drawings each week. At the end of the week, it’s nice to have lots of new drawings and a full page illustration. And I’m learning how to draw so many new things this year, which is really exciting!
My theme for September is backyard wildlife, so week 35 in my animal art series featured squirrel shenanigans.
After doing a quick pencil sketch of my concept, I started out with a watercolor wash for the background colors of each squirrel and other nature elements. Then I love to dive in with my tiny paintbrushes to add details and give them personality.
Can’t wait to turn this sketchbook page into fun new digital art! Drawing and illustrating always makes me happy!
Terri
Click here to see my Weeks 1-16 illustrations, ranging from bears to owls to whales to saltwater fish
Click here to see Weeks 17-20: Backyard Birds, Flamingos, Peacock and Macaws
Click here to see Weeks 21-25: Bugs: Neon Insects, Monarch Butterflies, Butterflies, Neon Spiders, and Moths
Click here to see Week 26: Nature is new every morning.
Click here to see Weeks 27-30: Wildflowers + Pollinators
Click here to see Weeks 31-34: Freshwater Fish
After doing a quick pencil sketch of my concept, I started out with a watercolor wash for the background colors of each fish.
I thought it might be fun to share my process with you this week. The first step for me is to lightly pencil in the composition. I’m still a tentative drawer so I like to be able to erase and change my mind. I tend to leave the pencil marks and let them show through the watercolors later, using them to subtly show details and shading.
