I fancy architecture. I draw this piece from the cover of my watercolor pencil case. I am studying tone in colors and thought I could apply the concept in this drawing.
I color this with Derwent watercolor pencils. You can see how the light and shade (tone) are created on where the sun and shadow hits the different parts of the structure. To make a tone darker, I learn to add black + the original color varying the intensity with the former. To achieve a lighter effect, I add more water.
I love the vividness of the colors. I love how a little black can create a whole range of tone that makes a drawing three dimensional and more interesting. What I am aiming to achieve next is to make drawings as accurately as possible.
I am sharing this on Paint Party Friday and hope you might learn something. If you have additional lessons or experiences to impart about tones feel free to share them in the comments. I love to hear them (and respond)!
I hope you all have a great day! God bless everyone!
A free ebook that helps you create expressive sketches of your life in pen and watercolor.
54 Responses
Rhonda
Hi Elisa, your architectural drawing is great. I like all the shadows you’ve placed to give it the three dimensional feel. Very nice work. Happy PPF!
Heather Foust
Love this architectural detail!! Love all the shadow detail also!! Happy PPF!
Sunshineshelle
Wonderful… this is like organic architecture, the melding of nature & man-made to make one great drawing… I love pencils too, I am in love with my Faber Castel pastel pencils at the mo… don’t te’ll my hubby ;)
Annette G
Loving your picture a wonderful result with pencils. Happy PPF, Annette x
NatashaMay
Looks really cool! :) Love it!
Carol
Wonderful piece and wonderful process explanation ~ Love it! ~Happy PPF ~ Carol (Share the Creative Journey)
shiela
reminds me of my childhood :) fancy painting.
Megan
Love the colors in your painting ~ nice explanation of how you achieved the lighter/darker tones.
Hybrid J
A clever way to include tone study in your artwork. Well Done!
geckostone
Wow this came out fantastic! Thanks so much for telling us how to get the darks and lights. I have the pencils but haven’t experimented with them yet. maybe this weekend, hmm…. Happy PPF! Deb
carlarey
Oooh, I love this. I was going to ask if it was someplace near you, but then read that it’s the cover of the pencils. Good place to look for a piece to learn from.
Crystal
I agree! Architecture is so cool and I love your piece! :-)
Pop Art Minis
Gorgeous sketch…colorful and full of life! POP ART MINIS
Mary Hysong
Blues and purples are also great for shadow colors and actually I like them better than black. Sometimes I use burnt umber instead. Nice drawing; While I like looking at it, architecture is a pain really to draw, especially when there are a lot of fiddly bits to put in. Happy PPF!
EVA
Great piece! It is hard to do architectural drawings – all the perspective challenges etc. You did a great job!
Diana Evans
oh I love this !!!! what a wonderful piece….great work….Happy PPF!!!!
iamrushmore
I love this! I really want to improve my drawing skills and wish that I could sketch like this. I need to practice, practice, practice! Thanks for including what you’re learning about tone and shade.
Stephanie Corder
Derwent water color pencils are one of my favorite mediums to play with- so many possibilities with them! And I LOVE your drawing- all the swirly architectural details are awesome!
- T.W -
Hah, I think I have that same cover on my Derwents~
Awesome work with the watercolor pencils, they are so relaxing to work with… =w=
// – T.W –
Sheri Cook
I love all the colors of this piece. Very nice use of the medium too! Happy PPF!
Andrea Thompson
lovely work!!!
gloria
I love this building. You’ve done a great job!
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Gloria! I love the details!
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot!
Elisa Choi
The colors are so vivid.. thanks a lot for your appreciation Sheri!:)
Elisa Choi
Haha! Isn’t it a lovely design of Derwent? Thanks a lot and let’s try out this medium more:)
Elisa Choi
Yes they certainly are great and easy to use… Thanks a lot for your sweet thoughts!
Elisa Choi
No problem! We all need to practice everyday because that’s where we learn and become good! Thanks a lot and you’re welcome!
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Diana! Happy PPF!
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Eva.. very challenging indeed and that’s what I am going to practice too.. :)
Elisa Choi
Yes I agree with the colors you have mentioned that makes great shadows and better than black! For those really dark ones I just add a bit black which makes a great contrast between blue and blue + black. Yes it is hard to draw.. requires a lot of patience! But it’s always worth it! Thank you!
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot Crystal!:)
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much!
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot Carla… there’s something to learn everywhere:)
Elisa Choi
Oh I can’t wait to see your work then! The result is good and I need more practice :) Thanks a lot Deb!
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot Hybrid!
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot Megan and you’re welcome!
Elisa Choi
I am not sure which of this reminds of your childhood–the drawing? the colors? Haha, Thank you Shiela!
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Carol !!
Elisa Choi
Thank you very much Natasha!
Elisa Choi
Thank you so much Annette!
Elisa Choi
What a way to describe this painting, thank you! color pencils are great to work at no? Your husband must be proud of your creativity:)
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Heather! I really appreciate it!
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot Rhonda for your appreciation! :)
Marcia Beckett
Nice colors and architectural details!
Kristin Dudish
I like the combination of your watercolor pencils (and the vibrant colors) with the ink lines… wonderful!
Julie
This is so pretty, I love the colors!
CAROL SAMSEL
Love it!!! Makes me want to dig out my watercolor pencils and start practicing :)
Jen
Such great colors! Architecture always catches my eye too. :) I love the way you explained your process. Thank you & have a wonderful week.
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Jen! I’m glad you enjoyed it!:)
Elisa Choi
Go ahead and try it now!:) It surely will change your perspective on watercolor pencils..
Elisa Choi
Thank you so much Julie!
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Kristin!
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot Marcia!