Creating Textures in Pen & Ink with Watercolor by Nice Claudia

Author:Nice, Claudia [Nice, Claudia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781581802658
Publisher: F+W Media, Inc.
Published: 2005-01-14T22:00:00+00:00

LIZARD ON ROCKY GROUND, 81⁄2″ × 7″, Pen and India Ink, watercolor.

CHAPTER FIVE

EARTH TEXTURES

In your search for exciting textures, don't overlook the earth beneath your feet. Soil, sand and rocks are rich in texture, ranging from smooth to gritty, craggy and crumbly. Stippling and brush spatter techniques work well to suggest grittiness. Combinations of crosshatching, scribble lines and dotted ink work, intermixed with creative watercolor textures can produce an endless array of rough and friable textures. Damp surface and wet-on-wet washes are a good base for smooth, time-polished stones. Add a touch of contour line work, dry brush detailing or damp surface spatter, and even the plainest creek pebble will catch the eye of the beholder with its simple, realistic appearance.

When the bare earth is seen as part of a landscape rather than the main subject, keep it simple. Merely suggest the terrain with muted washes and a touch of texture here and there.

The natural earth pigments of sienna, umber and ochre are obvious choices when depicting earth textures. However, don't be afraid to add a few spunky hues to the mix. Subtle blends of yellow, orange or magenta will wake up the earthy browns, adding warmth and vibrancy to your work. On the other hand, Payne's gray, blue or violet will cool down your brown mixtures, resulting in perfect hues for deep, cool shadows and damp, dark stones that are cold to the touch.

Begin studying earth textures by taking a walk. Look at the dirt with an artist's eye. Collect a few stones. There is an intriguing variety of shapes, colors and patterns waiting just outside the door and down the path. If you are a city dweller, look up! Brick, adobe, stone masonry and marble walls are rich in texture too.

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