Painting with Colored Pencils by Barbara Newton

Step 1. The Line Drawing The first step in creating a new painting is a line drawing that shows placement of objects. A line drawing can be simple outlines of shapes or can be detailed rendering of objects. Then the lines are transferred to paper or board for the final painting. To keep my paper clean, I usually transfer only one area at a time--whichever area I plan to work on next.

Step 2. Value Decisions There are many decisions to be made in the creation of a painting - one judgment is about value. To hold the viewer's attention, it is important to have a good range of value. I color the darkest areas first. The lightest value is the white of the paper. With both ends of the value scale established, I can better determine the middle values.

Step 3. Underpainting Form and volume of the tablecloth surrounding the main subject is created by applying French Gray in a range of values. Once it is a believable likeness portraying form and volume through value, color will be added. This underpainting or grisaille process separates value decisions from color decisions.

Step 4. Add Color to the Foundation Subtle colors reflected upon the tablecloth from the flowers and vase are added. Juxtaposed colors - placing colors next to one another - instead of direct layering adds interest. The holes in the tablecloth and details of the vase are defined and darkened with Indigo Blue and Black.