Monthly Archives: March 2009

Today I’m going to show you a simple little twig sketch anybody can do. Not only is it not complicated but we are going to use one color: “chestnut” a Graphitint water soluble pencil by Derwent.

Step 1: Make a light sketch with a regular pencil. My twig came from the shrub I found last week with all of the beautiful galls. One gall remained on my twig and several small leaves as well which endured our harsh winter but didn’t destroy it’s character.

Step 2: Take your Derwent Graphitint pencil “chestnut” and retrace your pencil sketch, filling in darker areas for shadow. Don’t fill everything in, remember to leave white space for breathing room. White space makes the sketch feel less “heavy”.

Step 3: Add magic! Wet a clean paint brush and touch your sketch. What I like to do is touch the lightest areas first, so they remain pure and light and then I go over the darkest areas next. This step reminds me of those watercolor books you played with as a child where you only needed a clean wet brush. Oh how much fun! You’ll be surprised at how happy it makes you feel to swirl around that pigment! Be happy.

Step 4: This step is optional. Here I took a micron black #3 pen and made suggestive outlines. If step #3 made you a happy camper, you don’t even need this…it’s just personal preference. I also added needed information; d=date, t=time, c=weather conditions, and a=area of subject.

Practicing helps a whole lot but don’t get discouraged if your sketch isn’t perfect. Remember we’re not creating museum quality fine art, even better, we are creating our personal memories of our experience with nature. You are your worst critic. Your art is really beautiful and unique.

I hope you enjoyed this step by step demonstration of a twig sketch.