My Colour method

In this post I will explain my current method to colouring some art work.

First, I start with a graphite sketch inspired by a photo portrait. I erased the lines, only leaving soft marks on the paper.

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Then I start applying some colour. I always start with a base colour, not too dark or to light. For this, I usually use alcohol-based marks, in this case, the Winsor and Newton Promarker Brush in the shades 0819 Almond and 0729 Blush. In this phase I try to create a base to form the highlights and shadows.

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The next step is to use colour pencils. Throughout the years I have noticed that water-soluble colour pencils blend the best and also provide strong and rich colours. here is a list of a couple of my favourite colour pencils: Caran D'Ache Supracolor Soft, Faber-Castle Albrecht Durer and Viarco Aqua. Also enjoy working with some cheaper pencils, usually, they are great to help to blend and secure the loose pigment left by the water-soluble colour pencils. Brands like Giotto Stilnovo (Skin Tones edition), Staedtler and even Bic Tropicolors, work perfectly. In this phase I still don't give hard shadows or strong highlights.

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Now I start adding the shadows and some blush. At this point, I am still using the typical colour skin tones, such as ocres, almonds, pinks, blushes, flesh, amber and sepias. I have acquired a big collection of these base colours throughout the years, working with different brands, however, there are colour sets already available.

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Finally, I start adding some details and some highlights. In this stage, I start adding different colours such as violets, greens and blues to make the shadows, some soft yellows in the lighter areas, and reds in the checks bones. I also use a white pen to create some texture, in this case, the Hybrid Gel Grip in white.

This is the final result. If you want more details about the materials used or my technique contact me.