ATC Central - The Learning Zone: Walkthough: Parakeet in Coloured Pencil

Walkthrough and art by Ninnerfish

Step 1: Using my reference photo, I sketch the bird in pencil. I try to get as much detail as I can in the sketch for a more accurate finished product. At this stage, my kneaded eraser is my best friend.

Step 2: Inking. Using my dip pen with an extra fine nib and waterproof black ink (non waterproof sometimes smudges when I go over it with colored pencil) I go over my sketch and define outlines and dark areas. When the ink is dry, I use my eraser to lighten the remaining pencil marks so I can still use them, but they wont show through the colored pencil later.
Step 3: I use colored pencils to define the basic lights and darks, not worrying too much if the color is spot on. This stage is more about getting the shadows where they're supposed to be and working out the basic areas of color.

Step 4: Using different pencil shades and slightly more pressure, I redefine the form, and correct the colors by adding as many different colors as I can. For example, the green on the birds chest is made of spring green, apple green, olive green, dark green,non photo blue, french gray, cool gray, warm grey, lemon yellow, indigo, and sand. I also start to define the texture of the branch using slightly darker shades. I also use my very sharp black pencil to redarken any areas of ink that have become too obscured by the lighter pencils.
Step 5: Using more of the same colors as before, I smooth out the feathers on the back, adding shadows and reflections. I add blues and greys to the branch to indicate shadow, and build up the background with light layers of greens and blues burnished with my white pencil. Then I sit back and think to myself, "yay, I've just drawn a tiny parrot!"