Sara Burrier - Fairies in colored pencil: learn to draw imaginative fairies in vibrant color

Learn to draw imaginative fairies in vibrant color

with Lindsay Archer, Sara Burrier, and Cynthia Knox

2016 Quarto Publishing Group, USA Inc.

Published by Walter Foster Publishing,

A division of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

All rights reserved. Walter Foster is a registered trademark.

Artwork on front cover, spine, back cover (center), and pages Christopher Speakman.

Project Editor: Elizabeth T. Gilbert

Page Layout: Kirstin McDougall

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.

Digital edition: 978-1-63322-914-3

Softcover edition: 978-1-63322-090-4

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This book has been produced to aid the aspiring artist. Reproduction of work for study or finished art is permissible. Any art produced or photomechanically reproduced from this publication for commercial purposes is forbidden without written consent from the publisher, Walter Foster Publishing.

THE FAIRY WORLD ENCHANTS ARTISTS OF ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS. It evokes the magic of youth and celebrates the mystery and beauty of nature. Whether youre drawn to their mythical roots or simply their petite, graceful figures, fairies connect us to stories told throughout human history.

In this book, you will learn how to draw 15 different fairiesfrom a forest guardian to a snow and a flower fairy. Accomplished artists Lindsay Archer, Sara Burrier, and Cynthia Knox guide you through each project, step by beautiful step. Youll find that colored pencil is a versatile medium that is ideal for rendering the fairy world. This medium can yield rich color, wispy strokes, and everything in between, making it suitable for both dreamy, atmospheric effects and fanciful details.

Leave the real world behind and immerse yourself in the uncharted realm of fairies. Your inner artist will not regret it!

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.

W. B. YEATS

WORKING IN COLORED PENCIL is one of the simplest ways to create colorful artwork. Unlike working with pastels or paints, colored pencils dont require many supplies, and your fingers stay clean in the process! The following pages show what materials you should gather before beginning the techniques and projects in this book.

Most artists find it best to use colored pencil on a paper with a bit of tooth (or textured surface). This surface catches and holds the pigment to create rich colors. Examples of suitable paper for colored pencil include medium or fine-toothed drawing paper and Bristol board. Some artists choose to work on toned paper, as shown in the project on .

Colored Pencils

Colored pencils are wood-encased leads made of pigment and wax, kaolin clay, or oil. Wax is the most common and affordable; these leads are soft and allow for smooth, controlled blends. Oil-based pencils are harder and great for producing fine lines, and they do not create wax bloom (or foggy buildup) on the drawings surface. Colored pencil works well on multiple supports, from smooth to rough to toned surfaces.

Sharpener

Keep a handheld or electric sharpener on hand for maintaining clean, sharp points.

Erasers

The best erasers for colored pencil are vinyl or plastic. To have maximum control as you work in small areas, you may want to try a stick eraser or electric eraser. Remember that, due to the staining nature of some pigments, you may not be able to erase every hint of color.

Other Materials

Additional supplies to keep on hand include a trash can or cup for pencil shavings and a soft cloth or brush for gently wiping away eraser crumbs and colored dust. Also, gather a range of graphite pencils to use for sketching (such as B, HB, and 6H), and purchase some workable spray fixative to protect your finished pieces.

Tip

WHEN USING WAX-BASED PENCILS, YOUR WORK MAY DEVELOP BLOOMA LIGHT FOG OVER THE DRAWING AS A RESULT OF WAX RISING TO THE SURFACE. TO ELIMINATE THIS, LET THE DRAWING SIT FOR TWO WEEKS AND THEN RUB A TISSUE, COTTON BALL, OR COTTON PAD GENTLY OVER THE BLOOMS, WHICH WILL CATCH AND REMOVE THE WAX.

Basic Drawing

BEFORE YOU DELVE INTO THE FAIRY PROJECTS, its a good idea to acquaint (or reacquaint) yourself with the basics of drawing. Practicing stroke styles and building convincing form will help you achieve depth and realism in your work.

Practicing Lines

When drawing lines, it is not necessary to always use a sharp point. In fact, sometimes a blunt point may create a more desirable effect. When using larger lead diameters, the effect of a blunt point is even more evident. Play around with your pencils to familiarize yourself with the different types of lines they can create. Make every kind of stroke you can think of, using both a sharp point and a blunt point. Practice the strokes below to help you loosen up.