Adron's Art Lesson Plans

How to Paint a Picture of the Traveler's Backpack Worksheet and Art Lesson

2021-07-09T12:45:00.001-07:00

I am delighted to share my how-to-paint A picture of the traveler's backpack.

👇👇👇SCROLL DOWN TO ACCESS THE FREE PDF.

You may print the images below.

How to Paint a Picture of the Traveler's Backpack Worksheet and Art Lesson

Below is a supplemental page with the outline to trace on a large scale.

How to Paint a Picture of the Traveler's Backpack Pattern

It takes me days to create a worksheet like this, but I do it because I believe when God gives you a gift, it is so you can be a gift. These worksheets are helpful for you.

If you have problems printing the image above, then try the PDF file below.

👉👉👉 CLICK HERE for a file in PDF

This worksheet is a great practice project for young artists. It doesn't use too many colors and has some opportunities to experiment and develop your style and technique.

You can download and save this lesson in class or at home. You may print it and give it to students as homework or an extra-time activity. You may also put it in a file ready to give to students who need encouragement or lack ideas about what to paint.

PRINTING

The file above is a JPEG and should print nicely on most systems. If you have any problems, CLICK HERE to visit my HOW TO PRINT page for some suggestions.

SUPPLIES

You can use any watercolor paint. I prefer my small Windsor Newton paint set; it has a nice selection of colors. I also use Grumbacher Paints in the tubes. You can easily find these at any craft store like Lobby Hobby or Michaels. (Look for coupons online.) You can collect lots of paintbrushes, but it is better at the start to keep it simple with a few small, medium, and medium-large brushes and a combination of flats as well as rounded paintbrushes. For these art lessons, I use Strathmore series 300 Watercolor paper. It is economical and available at Michaels and Hobby Lobby and online.

THE SUBJECT

This is an uncommon subject. It makes a great still life, and the backpack's nature tells a story. I modeled this project after my daughter's canvas backpack, which she takes everywhere. It has character and history. Practice with my project and then apply what you learn by painting a picture of your own backpack.

PROJECT NOTES

TRACE THE DESIGN

Start by tracing the outline onto 140 lb watercolor paper. This is the heavy paper that will not buckle when it is wet. You can find it at any craft store or office supply. I used Strathmore 300 series watercolor paper; it is ideal for practice and a beginner's level use. I purchase it a Michaels or Hobby Lobby because I can always find an online coupon (you know us starving artists always looking to save a penny).

If you have problems seeing the outline through the paper, try holding it to the window with the light shining through.

You can use watercolor from tubes or from a set. I use a portable Windsor Newton pant set. You do not need any fancy brushes for this project, but different sizes help. I prefer using natural hair brushes, but many modern synthetic brushes work fine for a beginner.

BACKGROUND

I like to start by painting the lightest colors. Wet the background around the backpack first. Next, apply some light-blue color into the upper areas with a wiggle motion of your brush. Mix a little plumb purple and dark blue and with a wiggle of your brush, put it in the lower areas around the backpack. Give the background some movement by allowing the colors to blend. Add a VERY LITTLE black where the shadows are on the right side and a VERY LITTLE on the bottom edge of the backpack.

UNDERPAINT THE BACKPACK

Mix a little yellow and light brown. Carefully so that you stay in the lines, put the yellow-brown mix on the backpack's body. This does not need to be even; if it is randomly uneven, that will help the back have character. --LET IT DRY--- a lot of the yellow will be covered, but some will remain to give the impression of highlights.

BUILD UP THE CANVAS COLOR

After the yellow is dry, use a little light brown and paint in the canvas of the backpack- DONT COVER IT ALL, leave parts of the yellow showing.

This is because it is easier to put a dark color on top of light color than to put light color on top of a dark.

ADD SOME BROWNISH SHADOWS

Mix chocolate brown and a VERY LITTLE BLACK and with a small brush, add some shadows.

ADD DETAILS

Mix some red and brown together to make a cinnamon color and paint the straps. Use red on the edge piping details. After the red dries, add some darker red for shadows and interest.

DETAIL THE BUCKLES

Mix some blue-black that is more blue than black and paint the buckles on the straps. LET IT DRY, mix some black blue that is more black than blue, trace around the buckles' edges, and leave some dark blue showings.

Finish by adding details like the blue cord, buttons, straps, and more shadows on the edges.

Sign and date your work about an inch from the bottom, so there is room for a frame.

I hope you create a masterpiece!

(c)Adron Dozat

7/9/2021

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How To Paint a Picture of the Watermill at the Pond, Worksheet and Art Lesson

2021-02-16T17:53:00.012-08:00

I am delighted to share my how-to paint the watermill with you.

This worksheet is a great practice project for young artists. It employs only a few colors and offers many opportunities for experimentation and developing an artist's technique. It is a simple picture that looks lovely when finished.

👇👇👇 SCROLL DOWN BELOW THE IMAGE FOR YOUR PDF

How to Paint a Picture of the Watermill Worksheet and Lesson

Below is a file in PDF format that may work better on some devices.

👉👉👉 CLICK HERE for the PDF file.

It takes me days to create a worksheet like this, but I am glad to do it because I believe when God gives you a gift, it is so you can be a gift. I hope these worksheets are helpful for you.

Here is a larger image to trace for this project.

The pattern for How to Paint a Picture of an American Watermill Lesson

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

The file below is a JPEG and should print nicely on most systems. If you have any problems, CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions.

SUPPLY LIST

You can use any watercolor paint. I prefer my small Windsor Newton paint set; it has a nice selection of colors. I also use Grumbacher Paints in the tubes. You can easily find these at any craft store like Lobby Hobby or Michaels. (Look for coupons online.) You can collect lots of paintbrushes, but it is better at the start to keep it simple with a few small, medium, and medium-large brushes and a combination of flats and rounded paintbrushes. For these art lessons, I use Strathmore series 300 Watercolor paper. It is economical and available at Michaels and Hobby Lobby and online.

THE SUBJECT

There are many old watermills still around. Most are museums or part of a park, and they are not operational. They make a beautiful subject for a landscape. This design was inspired by a picture of a watermill in Virginia. I made changes to the design to give it more interest. I painted it a few times to make this little worksheet. It took a couple of weeks to create this for you. I hope you like it.

PROJECT NOTES

Start by tracing the outline onto 140 lb watercolor paper. This is the heavy paper that will not buckle when it is wet. If you have problems seeing the outline through the paper, try holding it to the window with the light shining through.

There is more than one way to paint a picture, and there is more than one place to start. I like to start with the lightest colors.

Wet the sky and swish in watery blue. Let it remain uneven with some light and some darker areas of blue and even a few almost-white areas.

DO NOT WET THE POND, but use the tip of your small brush and draw some horizontal lines. This is to give the pond a look of rippling water reflecting the blue sky.

Mix green yellow and use a watery medium-sized brush to lay down the light areas of the trees and shrubs.

After the first wash of light green dries, mix a Medium green, try using a little blue and brown to the green. Remember, the distant trees are the lightest, and the nearest shrubs are the darkest. Dabb, the medium green onto the light green, be sure to leave a lot of light green showing everywhere.

After the medium green has dried, mix some dark green, use a little violet, brown, VERY LITTLE black, and dab in the darkest areas.

Give the building and fence a layer of light-brown, but don't make it flat and even leave some white showing through for interest.

After the light brown has dried, mix medium red-brown and use the tip of your brush to draw the details of the building and some of the fence. Do not overdo it; be sure to leave the light areas showing between the dark lines.

With the tip of your brush, use grey-brown and draw dashes for the bricks in the foundation. Draw the shingles on the roof. Add some dark areas to the fence.

After the medium brown dries, mix dark brown and paint the darkest areas under the water trough in the wheel and inside the windows. Do not hurry this step; if it is too dark, it will look bad.

If it becomes too dark, use tissue and clear water to blot the color out.

Use the tip of your brush and horizontal strokes to put the colors in the pond.

Sign and date your work about an inch from the bottom, so there is room for a frame. Give it a name.

I hope you create a masterpiece!

(c)Adron Dozat

2/16/2021

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How to Paint a Picture of the Lighthouse on the Bay Worksheet, and Art Lesson

2021-01-31T08:35:00.006-08:00

I am glad to share this how-to paint a picture is an art lesson for the beginner with you.

The lighthouse is a classic theme in art and a very romantic subject. There are so many different lighthouses worldwide, and they each look different, so the possibilities for being creative are endless.

I found inspiration for this picture from some images in different calendars. I like to look over old calendars, travel magazines, and other publications for ideas. This picture looks nice as a greeting card.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems making the file below print, then CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print for some suggestions. There is a file below that is in PDF format that may work better on some devices. Remember to set your printer for color.

How to paint the lighthouse on the bay, lesson, and worksheet.

I spent over a week designing and creating this lesson for you. I really hope you enjoy it.

Thank you

Below is a file in PDF format that may print better on some devices.

CLICK HERE for a file in PDF format.

The pattern for the watercolor art lesson
How to paint a lighthouse on the bay.

SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE PROJECT NOTES

Trace the design onto heavy watercolor paper; I use Strathmore 14 lb 300 series 9x12 for this project which I get at Michaels or Hobby Lobby because I can use the coupon. If you can't see through it, then hold it against a window so light shines through. An additional outline file is larger, so you can trace the picture for a larger painting.

My paint set is a small portable Windsor Newton travel set.

Wet the sky area and wash in watery lavender or purple-blue for the upper sky and pale blue for the sky near the horizon. Pick up the paper and tilt it one way or the other to allow the colors to blend gradually.

Use the same colors to paint the sea, BUT DO NOT get the sea wet first. Keep the paper dry and leave some white areas for the yellows later and some white areas for the glitter on the water. The light blue is near the horizon, and the darker violet blue is near the bottom. Mix these colors darker than the sky colors. Use back and forth strokes to give the effect of gentle waves.

After the blue of the sky has dried, add sunset colors to the clouds. Dampen the clouds (dab with a tissue if it is too wet) and use watery yellow, orange, pink, and even tan to the color of the clouds just a little. For drama, add a little darker purple with a TOUCH of black and give a few dark edges.

Take your time with the buildings. Start with an UNDERPAINTING of the shadows. Use lavender and blue for the lighthouse. Mix a LITTLE black with brown for the shadow on the side of the house. Use a little more black and brown for the darker shadow on the foundation. Use a little light brown for the rocks.

WHEN DRY, mix a little light brown, keep it almost clear and paint the house. Use dark brown for the roof. Don't do the shadow on the roof until it dries. Use light grey on the foundation front and mix some darker grey for texture on the dark side. Mix dark brown and black and draw a rocky texture on the rocks. Add darkness to the shadow to the water nearest the rocks.

Wait until the sky and the sea are dry before adding the land across the bay. The land across the bay is in silhouette, but don't make it too dark. Mix watery black and blue and paint and paint it onto dry paper.

Continue to add details that suit you. There should be a little shadow between the lighthouse and the building and a shadow on the roof. The windows are blue and black. Add colors to the sea in the foreground using the colors from the clouds and the house. I used dark brown for the door, so it would not draw too much attention to itself, but you can use any color.

When you frame the picture, consider cropping it so that the point of interest is not in the exact center.

I hope this picture turns out beautifully for you.

Happy Painting!

(c)Adron Dozat

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How To Paint a Christmas Picture of an Advent Candle Worksheet and Art Lesson.

2021-01-18T07:53:00.008-08:00

I am glad to share this lesson for a watercolor project of a picture of an advent candle with you.

👇👇👇 Be sure to scroll down to access the free PDF.

I wanted to do this nice little picture as an art lesson for some time. It is a lovely project and simple in design. It is a picture that you can use as a Christmas card or invitation. There are very few things that you need to pay attention to. My designs are only suggestions; I encourage you to experiment and try new things.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems making the file below print properly, then see the CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for suggestions that may help. There is a link to a PDF below the image.

How to paint a watercolor picture of an advent candle worksheet

Sometimes it takes me hours or even days to create these how to worksheets, but I do it so that I can give back because I believe that when you have been given a gift, it is so you can be a gift to others, and I hope these worksheets are a means of blessing to you.

Here is a link to a PDF that may print better on some devices.

CLICK HERE.

SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE NOTES

Start by tracing the project outline onto heavy watercolor paper. If you have problems tracing it, then try to hold the paper against a window with some light shining through; that way, you might trace it.

Mix your paint to make it watery, and paint in the dark blue for the background and the red for the tabletop. Keep your colors pale or light at first. You can always go over the color and make it darker later.

Use watery yellow color for the candle holder and the flame. Be very careful not to get any yellow into the area for the leaves or the berries. Use some orange that is not very watery for the edge. Use the tip of your brush and add the edge where the candle holder and the dish connect. (Try dabbing extra water off of your brush by touching it to a tissue).

Use some watery light green, and with the tip of your brush, paint in the leaves. Let the first light green dry, mix some dark green and add shadows and details to the leaves. To mix the darker green, try adding JUST A TOUCH of red, lavender, or brown to the green.

Use a bright red for the berries. Use the tip of your brush to make the berries round.

When the red is dry, mix some lavender with red and use the tip of your brush and draw the edges of the shadows on the berries, so they look round and not flat.

Use dark red and put some shadow under the leaves.

After everything has had a chance to dry, wet the white candle. Use the tip of your brush and draw a line of light blue along the edge of the candle. The water on the paper should pull the blue toward the center, so it fades gradually. When it has had a chance to almost dry, use the tip of your brush and draw a dark edge on the candle with dark blue.

Use black for the wick.

If the candle is lost in the background because both are blue makes the background darker. Use a little black and dark blue and give it another wash of color.

Sign and date your work about an inch from the bottom so there is room for a frame.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope my projects are as much fun for you as they are for me.

Please consider supporting my art by becoming one of my patrons.

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How to Paint a Picture of a Christmas Wreath in WaterColor

2020-12-18T13:33:00.005-08:00

How to Paint a Picture of a Christmas Wreath in WaterColor.

This is a nice project, and it is perfect for a Christmas card or art lesson for the young student. The picture has only two colors and uses three values. The project does require patience and the use of a steady hand for the tight areas.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems making the image below print, then see the HOW TO PRINT tab for some suggestions that might help. There is a link below to a file in PDF format that may work better on some devices.

This worksheet, even though it is simple and springs out of another lesson on drawing, still took about a week for me to design and create. I hope you have fun with it.

PLEASE SUPPORT MY ART

My how to paint worksheets are free and you may print as many as you like. I only ask, that if you are able, that you make a small contribution of support for my art. CLICK HERE TO DONATE. Enter any amount that you feel reflects your level of appreciation.

Thank you.

How to Paint a Watercolor Picture of a Christmas Wreath

DONATE.

Here is a link to a file in PDF for those devices that have problems printing a JPEG file like the one above.

CLICK HERE for a file in PDF

Here is a larger copy of the pattern for those who like to have room to work.

Wreath pattern for how to paint a picture lesson

SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE LESSON NOTES

Trace the pattern on to watercolor paper. Use the 140 lb paper, it is heavy and will not buckle when it is wet. If you have problems seeing the pattern through the paper try holding it against the window with the daylight shining through then you can see it better to trace.

FIRST WASH GREEN

Use a watery light green and give all the leaves a simple flat wash of paint. It will be pale and not bright. Let the light green dry before adding other colors. LET IT DRY.

FIRST WASH RED BERRIES

Use a watery bright red and paint the berries a pale flat red. Do not try to add white it will make the red an artificial pink. Paint the ribbon a flat even pale red also. LET IT DRY.

Take your time mixing your colors. Test the color on a separate piece of paper to make sure you are happy with it before you put it on the picture.

SECOND WASH GREEN

Mix a darker green by adding blue or lavender to the green. Use the tip of a small brush and like a pencil DRAW the first shadows on the leaves. Keep the paint not so watery as before, you may need to tap the brush on the edge of the pallet to draw out the extra water. Go over each leaf and draw around the leaf to give it definition and shape. Think about the light coming from above and so there will be more dark green on the lower edge of each leaf. leave about half of the first green showing.

SECOND WASH RED

Mix a little dark red by adding some blue or a tiny bit of brown to it. With the tip of your brush draw the darker red on the lower edges of the berries and a little on the top and sides. Use the darker red to do the bottom edges of the ribbon and to separate the different parts. Leave about half of the lighter red showing.

THIRD STE-, DETAILS SHADOWS

Add a little violet or VERY LITTLE BLACK to the green. Use the tip of your brush and draw the dark shadows under and behind the leaves. It is only on the bottom edges and leaves behind others.

Add a little violet to the red or VERY LITTLE BLACK and use the tip of your brush draw the darkest areas in the ribbon and the berries.

LET IT DRY

Use pure green on your small brush and draw the line that goes up each leaf. With the same green go around the edges of the leaves as needed.

Sign your work an inch up from the bottom so there is room for a frame.

(c)Adron Dozat 12/18/20

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How to Paint a Picture of a Sidewalk Cafe

2020-12-06T14:30:00.004-08:00

How to paint a picture of a sidewalk cafe is a fun project for the beginner.

I wanted to create this project for some time. There is something romantic and charming in the scene of a sidewalk cafe. It makes you think of leisurely afternoons in some exotic location.

I spent about a week designing and creating this picture. And another week to put it all together. It is helpful to use the internet as a research resource for image ideas and designs for your drawings. You can create a scene of some distant place and put in all the details as if you were actually there.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have any problems making the image below to print then see the HOW TO PRINT tab for some suggestions. There is a PDF below the worksheet below image that you can try if the one displayed is not cooperative.

Free How to Paint a Picture of a Sidewalk Cafe, Lesson, and Worksheet

Below is a bonus image so you can trace it and paint a larger picture, this will enable you to add more detail and experiment on your own.

Free Design Sheet For How to Paint a Picture of a Sidewalk Cafe Lesson

DONATE

Below is a file for a PDF of the image above.

CLICK HERE for a PDF of the worksheet.

SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE NOTES

Start by tracing the design onto watercolor paper. The best is a 140 lb watercolor paper, it is heavy and will not buckle when wet. If you have problems try holding it up to a window with the light behind it and then trace it.

Do the light colors first. Use a large brush and a watery mixture of paint so it is light. Use orange for the bricks, light blue for the windows, light brown for the wood, and light grey for the left side bricks. You can use the same grey for the street. Let it dry before going on, EXCEPT FOR THE STREET. While the street is still wet, drag some other random colors like brown, blue, or light blue across it. Use a wet blue on the edges of the sidewalk then add a little water to pull it down a little toward the gutter.

Use a smaller brush and keep the colors light and watery as you do the first paint of the green door and plants. Use the tip of your brush and paint around the word CAFE, leave the letters white. After it dries add a little dark green to the top edge like a shadow. Do the same around the door.

Red is hard to work with don't try to lighten it with white, you just end up with pink. Use a small brush and a pale red for the window boxes, planters awning, and umbrella. Use a light lavender for the shadowy underside of the umbrella. After it dries come back with darker blue-violet and add an edge of shadow near the red edge.

With a small brush paint some random dark blue in the windows. If you want to use black be very careful and use only a VERY LITTLE amount of black.

Make a dark green with a TINY bit of brown and blue, use the tip of a small brush to paint the darker green areas in the planter boxes by dabbing technique.

Use the tip of your small brush and paint the light pole in light blue first and let it dry. After the light blue dries add a dark blue on one side so it is in shadow. After the dark blue has dried add a VERRY LITTLE BLACK line on the shadow side. It should look round with a light side and a dark side.

Mix a darker orange, red, or brownish-orange and add texture to the bricks. Keep your brush drier by tapping the extra water off onto a tissue first. Use the brush flat like it is lying down and drag it across short areas of the orange wall. Be sure to leave spaces of light orange around the bricks. Do the same with darker grey-brown-black for the stone on the left.

Do the shadows last. Use lavender-purple under the awning and under the umbrella, and under the chairs.

For the chairs, use the tip of your small brush and keep your brush dry by tapping the extra water out onto a kleenex. Use a very light grey-blue and draw the lines of the chairs. The legs near the view do not need much but the legs at the back are darkest. Make the shadow on the ground more purple or violet so the grey of the chair does not get lost to the viewer.

Sign and date your work about an inch up from the bottom so you have room for a frame.

I hope you paint a beautiful masterpiece!

(c)Adron Dozat 12/6/20

Please consider supporting my art through Patreon.

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Free How to Paint a Picture of a Seagull Standing on the Beach

2020-11-12T08:53:00.002-08:00

Here is a free worksheet on how to paint a picture of a seagull on the beach.

It is a simple picture and almost like a portrait. It is fun and not at all difficult.

I have wanted to create this worksheet for a long time. A few years ago, I was at the beach with my wife, and there was a seagull on the sand for a moment. For some reason, that image stayed with me. I finally found the time to make this worksheet. I hope it is a rewarding project for you.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems making the image below print then see the HOW TO PRINT tab for some suggestions. There is a PDF file below that may work better for some people.

Free How To Paint A Picture of A Seagul On the Beach Worksheet, and Lesson

Below is a link to a PDF file that may work better on some systems.

CLICK HERE for a file in PDF format.

SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE PROJECT NOTES.

Trace the design on 140 LB watercolor paper. This is a heavy paper and won't buckle as easily. If you can't see through it then try holding it against the window with the light shining through.

THE SKY

Wet the area and use a mix of pale blue for the lower sky and use dark blue for the sky near the top, let the two hues blend.

TO START THE SEA

Use light blue for the far sea, near the horizon, and dark blue for the sea nearest the view, go back and forth with your brush and leave some areas white.

CLOUDS

Wet the areas for the clouds with clear water, Make a watery mix of yellow and a watery mix of orange and use the tip of your brush to drop color into the clouds. But keep it pale so it is just a hint of color. If you get too much color use a tissue to blot it out. DO NOT add the stormy dark color now- let it dry first.

SAND

Use a yellow-brown and a wet watery brush. Apply the paint with a back and forth stroke. Mix darker brown yellow and add a few streaks the add some red-brown and add a few more streaks, this gives the sand interest. After it drys use the tip of your brush and add more colors to give texture.

After the clouds, dry add depth and drama with some dark areas. Mix a pale blue and a VERY LITTLE black. Use the tip of your brush to "DRAW" Some stormy areas. If it is too dark use tissue to blot it out.

Mix some dark blue and with the tip of your brush draw lines going back and forth for the sea nearest the viewer. Do not add much darkness to the areas near the horizon since the distance looks hazy. Draw dark areas under the curve of the wave and the splash of the wave. Draw a dark wiggly line under the foam of the retreating waves.

There are many kinds of seagulls and they look alike but different, so do not worry if yours is not perfect there is one somewhere that looks just like it.

The wing is gray and the tail is black. There are shadows on its underside that give it the look of roundness, but be careful not to overdo the shadows. Use a very light blue for the shadows.

You can always use a kleenex to lift the color out if it is too much.

The beak is yellow and the legs are orange. But other seagulls have a black beak and black, brown, or red legs.

Sign and date your work an inch from the bottom so there is room for a frame.

I hope you create a masterpiece!

Please consider becoming my patreon.Become a Patron!

Free How to Paint a Picture Worksheet for Flowers in the Rural Fence

2020-11-01T15:58:00.005-08:00

Here is a Free How to Paint a Picture Worksheet of Flowers in the Rural Fence

This picture is inspired by a photo I took of some flowers growing beside the path where I walk my dog. They were bright yellow and growing through the two crosspieces of the fence.

You do not have to make a donation to download my worksheets. However, if you'd like to, the donate button is located below the picture. Thank you for your gifts, prayers, memberships, and donations. I would not be able to create these without your support.

This is a great little project for the beginner. This picture is somewhat simple. It is and not intended to be overly realistic. If you wanted something as real as a photograph, then you should buy a camera. You can use this worksheet as a starting point and add your own ideas and interpretations, so itis okay if your finished picture doesn't look like mine. (It might look better).

If you have problems making this worksheet to print CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions. Or try the updated link below.

How to Paint a Picture of Flowers on a Fence, Lesson and Worksheet

Thank you for your support.

Below is a link to a PDF of the image above.

CLICK HERE for a PDF

SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE NOTES

Start by tracing the outline of the picture onto 140 lb watercolor paper. If you have trouble seeing it through the paper try holding it to the window and tracing with the sunlight shining through. Do not be too worried to get it right, feel free to make changes.

FIRST WASH

To start use a medium brush and keep the paint watery on the brush. Wash in an even blue for the sky. Wash a light green for the far background on the left, behind the flowers, and the lower area below the post rail.

Save the fun stuff for last, so do not do the flowers until the end. Think of it as a reward for doing a good job on everything else.

SECOND WASH

After the first step has dried.

Mix your color carefully. Make a watery brown-grey by adding a TINY touch of black to brown and a SMALL DAB of red to make a grey color and paint in the brown-grey wood of the fence. You will be adding texture after this wash dries.

Add leafy texture to the foreground, MIx a dark gree using a TINY touch of black and some blue to some green. DONT MAKE IT TOO DARK. Later on, you can mix the darkest green for the deepest shadows. Use a small brush and short strokes to give the texture of a leafy shrub.

Don't add dark treen to the top areas so they look like distant trees.

FOREGROUND PATH

For the dirt path use the watery brown-grey mix and with a lot of water stroke the paint onto the paper using long back and forth strokes. While it is still wet stroke a LITTLE watery blue across the foreground two or three times, then stroke a LITTLE watery grey. Let the colors blend softly.

DEVELOPING DETAILS

After the first layer on the fence has dried, mix a darker brown, with red, and grey. Add dark areas on the shadow side of the fence post and the bottoms of the crosspieces. Don't overdo it.

After the dark areas have dried make another darker black-brown and use the TIP of your brush and DRAW lines for the texture.

FLOWERS- The most important part so take your time!

Yellow is very pale and does not show up much so do not get frustrated. Use the tip of your brush and stork yellow into the flowers. Do not use a very wet brush, try tapping your brush against a tissue to suck the excess water out of it. If the flowers do not show up much try putting a TINY dot of orange at the tip of each petal while the petal is wet, the moisture will draw the orange up and give some distinction between the flower and the background.

AFTER THE YELLOW HAS DRIED mix a little dark brown and use the tip of your brush to dot in the centers of the flowers. After you have done the brown use some black and put a dot or two on the shadowy side of the brown.

Mix a darker green than before and use short downward strokes to add a little darker leafy texture to the shrub.

Sign and date your work, but be sure to leave room for a frame.

I hope you create a masterpiece!

(c)Adron.11/1/20

Free How to Paint a Picture Worksheet of Apples in the Harvest Bushel

2020-10-25T15:34:00.003-07:00

Here is a Free How To Paint Apples in the Harvest Bushel Worksheet.

This picture was inspired by a visit to a fruit stand in autumn. It celebrates the blessings of the harvest and the Lord, who gives us much to be thankful for.

How to Paint a Picture Of the Apple Harvest Bushel Worksheet

My printables are free, so print as many as you like. They take a lot of my time. I often have to create several images before I get the right one for an illustration. It is a lot of work, but I am glad to have the opportunity to inspire others.

I only ask that you consider making a donation. Your gift of support will enable me to create more worksheets for you. Thank you for your support.

Here is a link to a PDF file that may work better for some printers.

CLICK HERE for a PDF of this worksheet.

If you have problems printing this worksheet, CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions. or try the updated link below.

This is a great little project for the beginner. This picture is somewhat simple. It is and is not intended to be overly realistic. I always felt if you wanted something as real as a photograph then you should buy a camera. You can use this worksheet as a beginning point and add your ideas and interpretations, so it is ok if your finished picture does not look like mine. (It might look better).

SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE NOTES

Use a small flat brush, if you have one, and give the grey wall the first wash. For the color mix VERY LITTLE black with brown and blue to make a cold grey. The amount of water on the brush should be light. Take your time and use strokes going up from the crate and up from the floor beside the crate.

Use the small flat brush to stroke back and forth with a red-brown color for the floor.

Use the small flat brush and stroke the color on the crate. The crate is old and weathered looking so mix a VERY LITTLE BLACK and yellow so it looks dull.

You may need to switch to a round brush for the shadow inside the crate. Mix blue and black and with a medium-wet brush carefully go around the apples and the outside edges of the crate. fille in the areas inside the crate.

Take a break and let it dry a little.

Mix VERY LITTLE red into some brown for the bushels. Use the flat brush to stroke the color in the bushels. Do not let your brush become very wet for this stage. A dryer brush will add texture to the baskets.

For the apples use your smallest brush or the VERY TIP-TOP of your regular brush. Do the apples in three steps; First, light areas, with yellow or orange, second the medium areas with red-orange, and last, the dark areas, the shadows with VERY LITTLE blue and red mixed together. Do some greenish apples the same way.

Take a break and let things dry.

The last step will take as much time as everything you did before.

Now change your method from painting to using your brush to draw. Use the very tip of the brush and draw lines for the details wherever they are needed. Do not use a very wet brush, try giving your brush a little twist when you lift it out of the paint. Dab the brush to get the extra water off before you paint.

Dark verticle lines for the boards on the wall.

Brown lines for the floorboards and the bushel.

Dark yellow lines for the boards on the crate.

Dark lines for the areas inside the crate.

Grey lines for the edges.

Add shadows where they are needed. Mix a little blue and black and go over areas that need shadows.

Sign and date your masterpiece an inch from the bottom so there is room for the frame.

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How to Paint Flowers Beside a Path, a Watercolor Worksheet

2020-09-22T16:35:00.008-07:00

Here is a Free How To Paint Flowers Beside The Path Worksheet.

I love the world God gave us, and it is a joy to paint a picture of a garden path on a sunny day.

I know this little lesson will be meaningful for you. This picture is simple in composition. It is like an impressionist painting and not intended to be overly realistic. I always felt if you wanted something as real as a photograph then you should buy a camera. With paint, you can interpret and give expression to a scene that a camera is not designed to do. But you can use these ideas and put them to your own use.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems making this worksheet to prin,t CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions or try the updated link below.

How to draw flowers beside the path, watercolor worksheet

I only ask that you consider making a donation. Your gift of support will enable me to create more worksheets for you.

Thank you for your support.

Here is a link to a file that may print better.

CLICK HERE for a PDF file.

SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE LESSON NOTES.

BEGINNINGS
Trace the design onto 140-pound watercolor paper. It is a heavy paper that will not buckle. If you have trouble tracing through the paper, try holding it against a window with the light shining behind it, and then you should be able to trace it easily.

This design is not to be painted exactly as I did but it is a guideline, so you can change things and make it your own special picture. So feel free to experiment.

FIRST WASH

Use a medium brush and wash in the pale blue sky, keep the paint watery, and do not worry about the trees you'll paint them on top of the blue later.

In the same way, use watery yellow-green and wash in the foreground flower area,

BUT BE CAREFUL NOT TO PAINT OVER THE TULIPS, go around the tulips.

In the same way, use watery sandy brown and wash it on the road.

LET IT DRY

Do not feel you need to finish the painting all at once. Take breaks and come back after a while. Some artists work on a picture for several days to finish a painting. And some artists do a painting once to work out the mistakes, like a practice painting, and then paint a second one after they know what will work.

BUILDING IT UP

After the first wash has dried mix a deeper green by adding a TINY dab of red or blue to your green. With a small brush dab green into the trees.

Carefully work the lower foreground by dabbing green to make it look like grasses and leaves. Leave yellow areas between the green. Work the dark dabs in rows that get smaller as they near the trees.

BUT BE CAREFUL not to paint over the yellow-green flowers or the tulips. LET IT DRY

After the second step is dry, repeat if the colors need to be darker in the trees and grasses.

For the distant trees add a little brown to the green and work in the shadows of the trees. Let it dry before you add any tree trunks or branches. Do the tree trunks in two steps a medium brown and after the medium brown has dried paint in the dark brown. Mix a little blue or black for the darks in the tree trunks.

TECHNIQUE

To get an impressionist feel do not try to be overly realistic. Try to use your brush with small dabs and short strokes. Just touch the brush to the paper over and over until it builds up. BE PATIENT! LET IT DRY IN BETWEEN COLORS AND STEPS.

TULIPS

Paint the tulips in steps. First, with a small brush wash the pink-red over the tulips and let it dry.

Use a darker yellow to add some detail to the yellow flowers. If you have problems mixing a darker yellow try a TINY touch of black or orange. The trick is to keep it suggestive like an impressionist painting.

After the pink wash has dried mix a little lavender or blue and red to make a darker color for the details. Use the tip of the small brush and DRAW the details of the tulips. Draw the shadows around the bottom and on one side and draw the shadow inside the bowl of the flower.

Sign and date your work.

(c)Adron 9/22/20

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How to Paint a Picture of The Tulips Worksheet

2020-09-10T08:53:00.006-07:00

How to paint a picture of the tulips worksheet and lesson.

I love God's creation and the beauty He put into it. Tulips are one of the treasures he put in the world, and they are such an exciting flower to paint. I always enjoy painting them. I know this little lesson will be meaningful for you. It is simple, and when it is done, it is beautiful.

You do not have to make a donation to download my worksheets. But if you want, the donate button is below the picture.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems printing this worksheet, click on the HOW TO PRINT tab for some suggestions.

This is one of my favorite projects. I worked on it for a long time, and I hope you like it.

Thank you for your support.

Below is a file in PDF format if you have problems printing the image above.

CLICK HERE for a PDF file.

SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE LESSON NOTES

Trace the design onto 140-pound watercolor paper. It is a heavy paper that will not buckle. If you have trouble tracing through the paper, try holding it against a window with the light shining behind it, and then you should be able to trace it easily.

BACKGROUND

The green is darker at the bottom and lighter at the top. Mix some dark green by using a TINY amount of black with the green, make it watery. Apply the dark green with a small brush starting at the bottom and working up a little. For the light green mix a little green with some yellow, make it watery. Apply the lighter green starting at the top and work it down until it touches the dark green. The two should blend at the edge where they meet.

LET IT DRY

After the background dries mix some yellow-green and with the tip of your brush draw a yellow-green line on the sunny side of the stems and leaves. While the stems are still wet mix some dark green and use the tip of your brush and draw a line down the shadow side of the stems and leaves. Let the two colors blend so that it looks round.

LET IT DRY

Use a small brush and some watery light blue and pant the lower areas between the flowers and stems. Take your time. Continue the light blue around the flowers and up a little. Mix a little dark blue or violet and use a medium brush, starting at the top paint the darker blue going down. The two colors should blend where they meet. Pick up the paper and tilt it so the colors flow together in an interesting and random way.

FLOWERS

Don't try to paint all the flowers at once, do a few of the red ones and then a few more and after that do a few purple ones. Use watery red and with a medium brush paint the flowers. While it is still wet mix a little red, and violet together and with a small brush add a LITTLE shadow to the darker areas.

After you finish the red flowers do some purple ones the same way.

If the flowers look too flat use a little tissue paper and dab the side that has the sun to lift out some of the colors. or use some clean clear water on your brush and lift out some of the colors on the light side.

(c)Adron D. 9/10/20

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How to Paint a Picture of the Old-Time Prospector.

2020-07-31T11:20:00.005-07:00

Free how to paint a picture of an old-time prospector, an art lesson, and a printable watercolor worksheet.

The old-time prospector is a project that can help the young artist or a beginner become more confident in basic watercolor art. It is a picture of a person of character, not just a pretty face but a regular guy. As an artist, you will find yourself doing more portraits of everyday people than the glamorous movie star types. This project uses only a few colors so it is simple.

Remember to set your printer to color.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems printing CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions or try the updated PDF link below that should print better.

Free how-to-paint a picture of an old-time prospector worksheet.

I only ask that you consider making a donation. Your gift of support will enable me to create more worksheets for you.

Thank you for your support.

CLICK HERE for a PDF file.

SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE ART LESSON NOTES.

BEGINNINGS
Trace the design onto 140-pound watercolor paper. It is a heavy paper that will not buckle. If you have trouble tracing though the paper, try holding it against a window with the light shining behind it, and then you should be able to trace it easily.

I like to take my time when I paint a picture and sometimes I even let one stage dry for a day before I do the next stage. If you do not have the time to wait for it to dry sometimes you can hurry the drying with a hairdryer.

BACKGROUND

Keep the background a little wild, I chose blue and violet but you can use greens, yellows, or any other colors. Keep the color watery and use a zigzaggy stroke to put the color on the paper. Be careful not to get into the figure. In the same way mix in some watery lavender or another second color that is close to the first- this is to give the background interest and movement. Leave it watery so the colors blend on their own.

LET IT DRY

FIRST WASH

Keep the colors light and watery at this stage. Work carefully so colors do not mix. Keep tissue nearby to blot up any that is not doing what you want. Use brownish-yellow for the hat and gloves. Light brown for the face. Light blue for the shirt and violet for the pants. Use a light brown for the coat. The only place that is dark at this stage is the belt, use a purple-brown color. While the coat is still wet add a little watery red or orange and let it blend on it's a little. Add a little watery purple to the pants and let it blend a little too. This makes it look not flat and interesting.

SECOND WASH

Let the first wash dry. If it is a little damp that is ok. TAKE YOUR TIME ON THIS STEP. Decide where you want the shadows to be. In my example, the light is from the right so the shadows are on the left. Make the same colors you used before darker by adding blues purples violets and browns. You may have to mix these colors yourself. Use a small brush and add darker browns to the face on the shadow side, beside the nose, and under the chin. Use purple-brown for the shadows on the coat. Use violet for the shadows on the shirt. and use purple-blue for the shadows on the pants.

Save the facial features for the finish.

After the shadows developed then add with the tip of your small brush a LITTLE black- but be careful you do not want much since it will take the brilliance out of your colors.

NOW TAKE A BREAK AND GET SOME EXERCISE

After you take a break come back and look at it with fresh eyes. Correct or finish anything that needs a little attention.

DETAILS AND FINISHING TOUCHES

Mix a little black with brown and use the tip of your brush and draw the features of the face: the eyes, eyebrows, and hair. In the same way use the tip of your brush to add dark edges to the glove, the canteen, and the clothes. Use an almost dry brush to add the green and red to the canteen and the red on the hat.

Sign your work about an inch up from the bottom that way there is room for the frame.

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Free How to Paint a Picture of a Bird of Paradise Flower, Lesson and Worksheet.

2020-03-02T06:33:00.008-08:00

Free how to paint a picture of a bird of paradise flower, an art lesson, and a printable watercolor worksheet.

This is a good practice project that will help a young artist, or a beginner become more confident in basic art. It is not hard and uses a simple color combination so you do not need to spend a fortune on supplies.

Remember to set your printer to color.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems printing, CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions. Or try the updated PDF link below, which should print better.

I started creating these worksheets as a handout for when I was teaching homeschoolers. I am humbled to think that they are used by thousands of families all over the world.

How to Paint a Picture of a Bird of Paradise Flower, Lesson, and Worksheet.

I only ask that you consider making a donation. Your gift of support will enable me to create more worksheets for you.

Thank you for your support.

If the image above does not print for you then try the PDF.

CLICK HERE for a PDF file.

ART SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE ART LESSON NOTES.

BEGINNINGS
Trace the design onto 140-pound watercolor paper, this is the heavy paper that will not buckle. If the paper is too thick to trace through place it against a window with the light shining behind it and then you should be able to trace it easily.

UNDERPAINT THE YELLOW HIGHLIGHTS
The flower looks orange, but start by painting the yellow highlights first. Let the yellow dry.

PAINT THE ORANGE ON TOP OF THE YELLOW
Using long strokes from top to bottom paint the orange on top of the yellow but leave yellow highlights showing.

BLUES
Use light blue to paint and the tongue-like-part sticking out. After the light blue dries mix some red to make violet and paint the shadows, but be careful to leave the light blue highlights showing in places.
For the blue body use light blue for the highlights and while the paper is still damp add violet blue for the lower shadows. While that is still damp use VERY LITTLE black for the darkest shadows on the bottom edge.

GREENS
For the leaves, use light green for the highlights. After the light green dries use dark green for the leaves and the stem.

BACKGROUND
You may want to leave the background white.

Or you can mix A LITTLE BLACK with some green and carefully go around the flower and make the background a little darker so the flower stands out.

Sign your work about an inch up from the bottom that way there is room for the frame.

Please consider becoming a Patron. Thank You.

Become a Patron!

How To Paint a Picture of a Covered Bridge in a Landscape

2019-08-04T11:57:00.006-07:00

Free how to paint a picture of a covered bridge in a landscape, an art lesson, and a printable watercolor worksheet.

This is a good practice project and skill builder for any young artist or beginner.

Teachers and parents can use this in class or as a do-at-home project. It can be a lesson by itself or an extra activity.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems printing, CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions. or try one of the updated links below that should print better.

How to Paint a Landscape With a Covered Bridge Lesson and Worksheet

I only ask that you consider making a donation. Your gift of support will enable me to create more worksheets for you.

Thank you for your support.

If the image above does not work the PDF is often the better choice.

CLICK HERE for a PDF file.

ART SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE ART LESSON NOTES.

BEGINNINGS
Trace the design onto 140-pound watercolor paper, this is the heavy paper that will not buckle. If the paper is too thick to trace through place it against a window with the light shining behind it and then you should be able to trace it easily.

SKY AND CLOUDS
Wet the paper all around the clouds. Be careful to not cross into the clouds. Mix some watery blue and lay it into the background. Keep the blue pale at the hills and a little darker at the top. LET IT DRY then wet the clouds and drop in some watery light-blue and watery blue-black. Use a small brush to move the color around to make the shape of the clouds. Let the bottom of the clouds disappear into the sky.

For more color you can add a little watery rose or yellow to the clouds it will give them a summer afternoon look.

HILLS
Wet the hills but not the trees, then brush in some light browns and greens for the hills. After the hills dry dab with a brush the light green for the distant trees.

TREES
Use green for the trees but drop into the green some darker greens made of black and green for the shadows. Make the foreground darker than the hills. Dabb darker dots of green around the base of the hills and in places to give it texture.

RIVER
Start with blue then add black for the shadow below the bridge. After it dries add green and brown for the deeper water but keep some blue showing in places.

BRIDGE
Use brown and grey for the river bank. The road can be grey black brown or clay red.

Use the tip of your brush to paint the bridge, think of it as drawing with a brush. Use grey for the roof and red for the sides. After it dries go back and add more detail and shadow with black and red for the shadows.
ROAD
The road can be grey black brown or clay red.

FINISHING TOUCHES
Use clear water and tissue to "Lift Out" any color that is too intense. Dabb dots of darker color to give texture and richness.

Sign your work about an inch up from the bottom that way there is room for the frame.

(c) Adron Dozat 8/4/19

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How to Paint a Picture of a Conch Shell

2019-07-14T11:55:00.010-07:00

I am glad to share my how-to-paint picture of a conch shell, an art lesson, and a printable worksheet.

👇👇👇 SCROLL DOWN TO ACCESS THE FREE PDF.

How to Paint a Picture of a Conch Shell, Lesson, and Worksheet

My worksheets are free, but your gift will go a long way to help me create more. Use the Paypal button to support my art lessons worksheets.

Thank You!

If the first file does not work out for you, the one below will be better. It is a PDF, and usually, you have to download a file before it works, but it is a file that you can delete after your image prints.

👉👉👉 CLICK HERE for a PDF file.

Remember to set your printer to color.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems printing see the "CLICK HERE" to go to my how to print page, where I have gathered together some tips and suggestions that may help. Some people prefer to use a PDF, so I have put a link below for a PDF. I hope this helps.

My how-to-draw worksheets are free for you, but they take a lot of my time. I often have to create several images before I get the right one for an illustration. It is a lot of work, but I am glad to have the opportunity to inspire others.

ART SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE NOTES.

BEGINNINGS
Trace the design onto 140-pound watercolor paper; this is the heavy paper that will not buckle. If the paper is too thick to trace through, place it against a window with the light shining behind it, and then you should be able to trace it easily.

BACKGROUND
Wet the paper all around the shell. Be careful to not cross over into the shell. Mix some watery blue and lay it into the background. Mix a little red and black for the shadow below the shell.

LET THE BACKGROUND DRY BEFORE YOU GO ON.
Wet the brown areas with clear water. Mix brown and dab the color into the shell to give it a texture. Mix yellow-brown and dab some in for interest. Let the colors blend. Mix a VERY LITTLE black into the brown and dab in for the shadows. Add more color to the bottom, so it looks round. You may need to tilt the paper, so the colors run down from the light area.
LET IT DRY BEFORE YOU DO THE PINK PART

THE PINK PART.
Wet the area for the pink part. Mix a very light red; it is best to have crimson, but regular will do if you have it. Place the red-pink color into the top of the shell, starting at the bottom edge of the top. Work the color up, so it becomes paler near the top. Use a tissue if you need to lift some color out. It may help if you tilt the paper, so it flows down to deepen the color.

DETAILS
Mix a watery lavender-red and put just a little where the shadows of the wrinkles are on the pink area.

If the spurs need a little more shadow, then mix a small amount of black with brown and lavender and carefully add shadows where needed.

Mix a little darker brown and dab rows on the side, do not make the rows straight but give them a slight curve to help the shell to look round.

Sign your work about an inch up from the bottom; that way, there is room for the frame.

(c) Adron D. 7/14/19

Please consider becoming my Patreon, Thank you.

Become a Patron!

How To Draw a Baby Dragon

2019-07-10T03:36:00.003-07:00

This is a free how to draw a baby dragon worksheet for the young artist.

This is how to draw worksheet is one I made for the kids in an art class I was teaching they loved it.

If you have problems printing see the "HOW TO PRINT" tab above. Set your printer on greyscale.

Please make a contribution through the Donate tab. Thank you.

How to draw a baby dragon worksheet By MrAdron

Start with a bunch of circles to create the body, arms, legs, and head. Remember that the knees and elbows go toward each other. Then connect them with some lines.

Draw lightly so you can erase later. Remember the heads of baby animals are larger than normal.

Baby birds have small wings so I gave my baby dragon small wings too.

I wanted to draw baby horns on him but they looked like ears, maybe you can do better.

Dragons come in every color. Add the details like scales, eyes, and teeth. Put the shells on each side of him and have them all cracked.

Trace your pencil drawing in a fine-tipped pen and then color it in.
Other ideas: How about a nest, brother dragons, a mama dragon looking down on him or a thread of smoke coming out of his nose? Some draw dragon eggs with spots try glitter paint?

(c)Adron Dozat

My worksheets are free, print as many as you like. Please click HERE and make a small contribution. Your gift will tell me that my work is appreciated, so I will know to keep on creating these worksheets. Thank you.

Advice to a Young Art Teacher.

2019-05-25T06:12:00.002-07:00

Some ideas and suggestions for teaching art to homeschool students and at summer camps.

A young college student asked for advice on giving art lessons at a summer camp, here is some of what I suggested to him. I hope it is helpful to all. You are welcome to print this page or bookmark it.

I am glad to give you any help I can. I am excited about your project and all the good you will do for the kids.

The most important thing- number one- and above all else for me as a Christian is to have God in my life and in the things I do. It is my approach to everything to start with prayer.

I ask God to show me what HE wants to teach the kids.
I ask God to be the teacher through me.
I ask God to give me insight into the hearts of each child.
I ask God for patience.
I ask God for ideas.
I surrender my will to God.
I give my weakness to God.

Before I even start I thank God ahead as an act of faith for the blessings he is going to give.
I believe I can confidently say that God has abundantly answered these prayers. I have students who have won awards, sold their art, and one was commissioned to illustrate a book because God is first.

Organizing the Class:
In my class format for the older kids, I start with a two or three-minute inspiration. I say, "Artist need inspiration and my inspiration today is ..." and I will go on with a Bible verse that talks about something that relates to art or the subject we are drawing that day. You can get ideas for the inspiration at one of my blogs;

http://spectrumartlessonplans.blogspot.com/ go to the sidebar that lists 2011 posts and there are some there to give you ideas, or you may use them verbatim if you like.

For the younger kids, I bring in God a little different, about halfway through the class I will tell them it is time for a "Mental Recess" or time for a "Thought Break," and then tell one of the Bible stories. I ask them to relax and try to see the story in their minds, and then tell the story in as much detail as possible. This has an added effect of exercising their imagination.

I find it very important and helpful to have a written plan, if I don't I will miss out on something. I keep it on a clipboard or clipped to the front of my sketchbook.

I find I use my sketchbook a lot during the class. I draw illustrations as I talk or as I go around to each of the kids, I set my sketchbook down next to their picture and draw the drawing they are working on and show an idea or approach to the project they are working on.

In my class we work on several projects each day and it is frustrating when the kids lose them- I don't know how, when they didn't leave the room their work disappeared, so especially for the younger ones get some system to store their work until they leave, cubbyholes or a file folder or shelf with their name on it. It can be a heartbreak to Little Susie to lose her work because Johnie took it by accident, and it was Susie's best piece.

We all have different styles of teaching I go around to each kid from one end of the room to the other and look at their work giving every child praise first, later on, I offer gentle suggestions. I have to remind myself that the kids work is not my work it is their picture and if they want the sun to be a black dot and it is OK with them then fine as long as I am succeeding in giving them skills so that if they want to make the sun flaming fire they can do it. I will say, "It is your picture and it is OK if you want to do it this way but if it was my picture I would do it this way...(I do a little illustration in my sketchbook).

I arrange the tables in a half circle around the subject. That way I can roam around and encourage the kids.

My Lessons:
Have a goal. My goal is to teach realistic drawing from real life with an emphasis on observation skills.

You should ask students what they want to draw if it is monster trucks work it in during the week. Ask the parents what they would like to see the kids do and try to work it in during the week.

You can find my lessons at http://spectrumartlessonplans.blogspot.com/ The older ones are more developed. I set up this free blog so the parents will have something to print if they needed to show the state the level of education the kids were getting. You are welcome to borrow use or copy anything there.

After the inspiration, I already wrote above. I start out with a "warm up." Athletes, musicians, dancers and other disciplines warm up so it is a good idea to do it now and it gives an opportunity to introduce principles of drawing that are not so exciting. My warm ups are intended to be 7 or 10 minutes in total. I have at most 4 assignments. It may be circles, cubes, lighting bolts, zigzags scribble art of an animal, shadowing, drawing a man in silhouette, drawing a mouse with scribbling only, or anything that relates to the main project of the class, you get the idea. Some of the warm-ups may be practice about how to hold the pencil in a different way. The kids have been told to hold pencils "just so" with thumb here and fingers there for penmanship but like a hammer, you can hold it different ways so some of my warm-ups I have the kids hold the pencil at the middle like "picking up a worm" or at the eraser end.

One thing I do that the kids seemed to really like was called the "Quick Sketch Challenge." It is so popular that if I don't do it the kids ask for it. I really, really encourage you to try it. Basically, you put something simple like a vase or coffee cup down and tell them they have 7 minutes to draw it! This frees them up to overcome mental blocks. One thing is you have to do it too or they won't respect you.

I find the kids love to show the drawings they have done before the class so I ask early in the class if anyone has drawn something the last week that they want to show. I always give praise, even if it is not at all recognizable or well done. (One kid with a learning disability would literally scribble on a paper and show it off, I wonder if he was testing me). Some times I could find nothing really praiseworthy but would say, "Those lines have a lot of energy!" Or "You use a lot of textures in all the right places." "I really like your use of shadow." After they show their work be ready to show your recent work to them and talk about it.

I bring a few things that I have found at yard sales and Good Will Stores for the kids to draw. Sometimes I bring in some toys left over from my kids younger days. I look for interesting things. I find I have to remind myself not everyone has my taste; for example, I am not into sports but I have to bring in sporty things for those who are. Girls like to draw kittens and ponies so I bring something for them but some dragon or superhero thing for the boys. I give the kids options every day. I am asking the kids to bring in some things to draw like a favorite toy.

I have built a library of pictures and I bring in a folder every day with a lot of pictures that they can use for inspiration or to copy. Look for old advertisements, and catalogs (J.C. Penny is a favorite of mine for their quality of portraiture). Old magazines are good, and old calendars are a good source for pictures. If you get the Sunday paper look for the Parade magazine, the cover usually has a good picture of a person and inside is usually good for one or two pictures. Travel magazines and homemaking magazines are a good place for pictures. Call relatives or ask facebook friends for old magazines and calendars with pictures, they will be grateful to clean out their closets. You can use leftover material for glue on projects.

I always have a main project for the day. I set it up as a still life or a floral or something and talk a little about it why it is a good thing to draw, how to draw it etc. If it is something boring to them I remind them professional artist have to take assignments to draw things that seem boring too. Then I just go around for an hour encouraging the kids. I draw it too.

If the weather is nice we will go outside and draw the flowers or something but you have to have a good plan beforehand; know exactly where you are going, and exactly what you are going to draw. Count heads before and after.

I always work on something about drawing people. Since we are made in the image of God I can't think of something more worthy to draw. One idea is to get pictures from the sports section of the newspaper or magazines of athletes and the kids can practice drawing them. Another idea is to have one student or a parent can pose for the class. A few may say they want to draw fantasy people like anime but I remind them they need to know the rules before they can break the rules so know how to draw a real face makes the fantasy face superior. Newspapers have many faces I cut them out and bring them to class.

Communication:
Teaching is communicating. Learn to use the words the students understand. If you are going to talk about hue, value, chrome, etc. then have a hand out to give them. I usually avoid "art-speak" and use normal words. When you are trying to describe something use simple illustrative words. Instead of saying draw a crooked line say, "Draw a line like a large letter C." or "Draw a line shaped like a rainbow." Instead of saying draw a series of chevrons say, "Draw the letter V over and over," instead of saying draw a scalloped line say "Draw a line like a letter M over and over."

Long-term Project
I have had a "Long term project" for most years. It has been to illustrate a story and each day I give the kids two or three sentences of the story to illustrate at the end of the semester they have the story all illustrated and they are proud to show it off. It has been part of the Take Home Paper I give the kids that have a summary of the class. A long term project I am considering for my class next year will be a poster that in one scene tells a story, it could be in cells like a comic book or a single scene that is self-explanatory. Each day we will do one aspect until it is complete at the end it will be a trophy project the parents will boast about to friends.

An example may be David and Goliath.

Day one- Concept and Design, research with rough drafts. (David small, Goliath big. His face this way, pose crouched. Enemy army in shadow? or in detail? Horizon, low or high? etc.)
Day two- developing details, of figures, background, the light values, sketch, etc.
Day Three- pencil in the figures.
Day Four and Five- ink in figures, watercolor figures, and background
Day Five- mat and mount.

End of Day
Always end with encouragement to the group as a whole and to individuals. Think of things you can thank the students for, especially if they were helpful in some way. Respect and value will build rapport and earns the right to be heard.

I always have a hand out of a take-home project that I call a "skill builder." IT is something they may do if they want, you can see some at my other blog, http://drawinglessonsfortheyoungartist.blogspot.com/
You can copy any you want, or they may give you ideas for making your own.

For my home school group, I organized an art show at the library which is free in Howard County. You may not have time to do the library but maybe you know a church that will let you have a reception on Saturday night or display the students work in the fellowship hall or some other place. It is important to have the experience of showing your work, and very exciting. Have moms volunteer to bring snacks. If you are part of an art association or community ask if two will come to give a presentation of awards.

There are some books at the library on how to draw and how to teach drawing. I have used them in the past for ideas. I don't remember the names but you may find some resources there. If you type how to draw (then name something) in the internet browser you get millions of hits.

I hope this is helpful.

Adron.

Some Basic Drawing Guidelines for the Young Artist

2019-05-25T05:36:00.002-07:00

Here are Some basic drawing guidelines for my students.

Take care of your tools, and your tools will take care of you. Keep your pencils, pens, brushes, and mediums clean, organized, and put away.

Keep your work area organized. Put the pencils in the same order and neatly arranged so you won't have to stop being creative and have to turn detective to find the red one or the eraser.

Start by drawing lightly with a hard pencil like a 2b. Your lines should be light as if made out of spider thread. This will make it easy to erase and easy to draw over mistakes.

Look for basic shapes and use them to develop an outline.

Draw the outline first.

Sketch your whole picture in 5 minutes; scribble if you have to. Next, spend the next hour fine-tuning it.

Draw the picture as a whole; avoid working in one area and not working on others.

The most important part is the first 10%. Take a break and stop. Come back and look it all over and check your work it is easier to fix problems now than later.

Save the fun stuff for last. In every picture, there is some feature that you really want to develop, but if you spend a lot of time on it early on, that item will look overdeveloped, and the rest of the picture will look weak. Do everything else first, and the favorite part will fit in better.

Don't use the same pencil for the whole drawing. Soft pencils are darker, and hard pencils are lighter use them all.

No one is you; don't compare your drawing to the drawing someone else does.

Your drawing doesn't need to have a perfect start. Don't get discouraged, and it will have an excellent finish.

Look at the thing you are drawing as much as the drawing of the item.

Change the way you think about a pencil. It is now a tool like a hammer. You hold a hammer one way to pound a nail and a different way to pull a nail. You hold a pencil one way to shade an area and a different way to sketch fine details. Experiment with holding the pencil in different ways.

Sketch every day, even if it is only for a few minutes. The minutes will add up.

Sketch every kind of thing you see.

Save the erasing for the cleanup- don't even bring it out until you are almost done.

How to Paint a Picture of a Butterfly on a Flower, Watercolor Worksheet for the Beginner

2019-05-17T18:58:00.013-07:00

How to paint a butterfly picture art lesson and worksheet.

This is a good practice project and skill builder for any young artist or beginner.

How to Paint a Picture of a Butterfly on a Flower
Worksheet And Art Lesson

My printables are free, so print as many as you like. I only ask that you consider making a donation. Your gift of support will enable me to create more worksheets for you.

Thank you for your support.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you need help printing, CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions. There is an updated link below that may print better.

👉👉👉 CLICK HERE for a PDF file.

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PRINTABLE NOTES.

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How to Paint a Picture of a Ship at Sunset art Lesson and Worksheet

2019-04-19T12:10:00.011-07:00

This is a free how-to paint a ship sailing at sunset art lesson and worksheet.

Here is a good practice project and skill builder for any young artist or beginner.

👇👇👇 SCROLL DOWN BELOW THE IMAGE FOR YOUR PDF

Teachers and parents will be able to use this in class or as a do-at-home project. It can be a lesson by itself or an extra activity.

How to Paint a Picture Worksheet Painting a Ship at Sunset

My printables are free, so print as many as you like I only ask that you consider making a donation. Your gift of support will enable me to create more worksheets for you. Thank you for your support.

CLICK HERE for a PDF file.

Remember to set your printer to color.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

For help with printing, CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions. or try one of the updated links below that should print better.

See an alternate version of this ship with two ship mermaids that you can trace onto watercolor paper in a larger size, CLICK HERE.

ART SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE NOTES.

BEGINNINGS
Trace the design onto 140-pound watercolor paper, this is the heavy paper that will not buckle. If the paper is too thick to trace through place it against a window with the light shining behind it and then you should be able to trace it easily.

CLICK HERE to see a larger more detailed version of this project.

SKY (NOT CLOUDS)
Wet the paper in the sky area. With a large wide flat brush lay watery violet, plumb, and lavender in the top area then blue in the middle sky, and light blue near the horizon. Use long horizontal strokes to lay it in. You may need to play with it a little to get the darker values at the top and lighter colors in the bottom. Every sunset is different so don't get too upset if it is not perfect. Use a paper towel to dry the brush and use a dry brush to help the colors go from light to dark.

AFTER THE SKY DRIES PAINT THE CLOUDS
Just like the background sky get the clouds wet with clear water. Use a small brush and drop watery colors into the clouds. Use rose, orange-yellow. Keep a paper towel near to dry the brush and use the dryer brush to move the colors around. Add a little VERY LITTLE grey dark blue in a few places to give the stormy look. If the clouds get too dark or too much color, use fresh clear water on a clean brush and get them wet then use a tissue or a paper towel to blot out the color.

AFTER THE CLOUDS DRY DO THE SEA.
Be careful to keep the whites, the splash at the front of the ship, and the highlights clean. Use small brushes for the area near the horizon and a larger brush for the sea in the foreground. The brushes should be not too wet. Stroke the colors back and forth starting at the horizon and going down. Mix blues, greens, and even black-browns into the sea. Mix the colors on the paper. When it dries you may want to touch it up. Sometimes a brush with clear water can soften the distant sea. REMEMBER to leave some white places for the sparkle of the sun on the sea.
Remember the sea is light near the horizon and darker in the foreground.

THE SPLASH AT THE FRONT OF THE BOAT AFTER THE SEA IS DRY
The splash at the front of the boat is almost white but not really white. use a very watery mix of blue-grey and a small brush and dab in some color.

DO THE SAILS AFTER THE SKY IS DRY
Use a medium brush and a watery almost clear mix of yellow for the sails. With a small brush edge the shadow areas with orange or violet.

AFTER THE SEA IS DRY DO THE SHIP IN STEPS.
You will use brushes differently for the boat, think of it as drawing with a brush and not so much painting.

Use the tip of the brush to paint the red railing, add a little purple for the shadow near the front of the ship.

Start the hull and cabin of the ship with light brown. Let the light brown dry then work in the shadows with a dark blue-brown but be sure to leave the sunny sides light

With brown use the tip of the brush and draw in the masts and wooden parts of the sails. Use a small brush and edge some dark brown with black for the shadow on the mast. The banners are red with purple shadows. Let the red dry before you add the purple.

Sign your work about an inch from the bottom so there is room for the frame.

(c) Adron Dozat 4/19/19

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How to Paint a Garden Wheelbarrow With Flowers, Art Lesson and Worksheet

2018-01-23T18:47:00.012-08:00

I am glad to share with you my how-to-paint a Garden Wheelbarrow with Flowers art lesson and worksheet.

This is a good practice project and skill builder for any young artist. Teachers and parents will use this ho to pant a picture art lesson in class or as a do-at-home project. It can be an art lesson by itself or an extra activity.

How to Paint a Picture Of a Garden Wheelbarrow With Flowers

Thank you!

My how-to-paint art lesson worksheets are free; you can print as many as you like. I only ask that you make a small contribution through my PayPal button so I can keep creating these for you. Thank you.

PDF

If the image above gives you trouble, try the PDF; it will work better.

CLICK HERE for a PDF file.

Remember to set your printer to color.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THIS WORKSHEET

If you have problems printing see the "CLICK HERE" to see my how-to-print page, where I have put some suggestions that may help. You can try the updated PDF link below that should print better.

SUPPLIES

You can use any watercolor paint. I prefer my small Windsor Newton paint set; it has a nice selection of colors. I also use Grumbacher Paints in the tubes. You can easily find these at any craft store like Lobby Hobby or Michaels. (Look for coupons online.) You can collect lots of paintbrushes, but it is better at the start to keep it simple with a few small, medium, and medium-large brushes and a combination of flat and round paintbrushes. For these art lessons, I use Strathmore series 300 Watercolor paper. It is economical and available at Michaels and Hobby Lobby and online.

PRINTABLE NOTES.

BEGINNINGS
Trace the design onto 140-pound Strathmore watercolor paper; this is the heavy paper that will not buckle. If the paper is too thick to trace through, place it against a window with the light shining behind it, and then, you should be able to trace it easily.

CLICK HERE to see a larger, more detailed version of this project.

The first layer of color should be watery and not very brilliant but pale. Use a medium brush for the first wash.
Be careful to go around the flowers. Use orange for the base color of the wheelbarrow.

AFTER THE FIRST WASH DRIES
Wash in the sky with watery blue color. Let it mix with the green in the background. Use a tissue if needed to lift out color if it gets too bright. Add dark color to the area below the wheelbarrow. Use a small brush and place red over the wheelbarrow but leave areas of orange showing through. Use purple and black for the shadows. Use brown for the wheel. Mix green with a LITTLE red or purple and draw the shadows in the leaves.

AFTER THE SECOND WASH DRIES
Mix green with a LITTLE brown for a darker green and use a small brush to add detail to the grass. With a small brush, add pale watery color to the flowers. Make some flowers yellow, lavender light blue, and pink. Do the brown centers of the sunflowers AFTER THE YELLOW DRIES. If colors blend in a way you do not want, then use clear water on a brush and a tissue to lift it out, then after it dries, try again.

I hope you create a masterpiece.

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How To Paint a Picture of a Lighthouse Worksheet for watercolor.

2017-08-24T20:00:00.011-07:00

I am delighted to share my free how-to-paint a picture of a lighthouse worksheet and lesson.

This is a picture inspired by a lighthouse we visited on vacation. This brief lesson serves as a valuable practice and skill builder for any artist. Teachers and parents will be able to use this in class or as a do-at-home project. It can serve as a lesson in itself or an additional activity.

You do not need to make a donation to download this worksheet. However, if you would like to support my efforts, the donation button is located below the image.

How to Paint a Picture of a Lighthouse in Watercolor

Thank You

You might also like the How to Paint a Sailboat on the Bay worksheet, CLICK HERE.

Here is a File that may work better on some printers or different programs.

CLICK HERE for a file in a PDF.

Remember to set your printer to color.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

For help with printing, CLICK HERE to go to my how-to print page.

ART SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE NOTES.

Trace the design on watercolor paper. If it is too hard to trace try to hold it against a window with the light coming through to see it better.

FIRST, put clear water in the sky area, be careful to put it around the lighthouse. Then drop in dark and light blue in random patterns. Dark blue above and light blue below they can mix in the middle. Leave random areas white for the clouds. Let this dry

Use light and dark green for the grass the dark green is on the lower part of the picture and the light green is up high nearest the lighthouse. If the lights are not light enough then use some tissue and blot some out. Let this dry.

CLOUDS
After the background blues of the sky is dry wet the white areas where the clouds will be then swish in some yellows and oranges. Next, on the tops of the upper clouds swish in lavender and purples and blues. Let the colors blend naturally, but you can use a clean damp brush to move the colors around.

SEA
Use dark blue for the ocean in the background. Remember, keep the color light at the top and dark in the lower area.

LIGHTHOUSE
The lighthouse is round so it is lighter on one side and gradually becomes darker on the other side. Use a brush with watery blue-gray and wash the lighthouse with an even coat of water paint but leave one edge white. Pick up the picture and hold it sideways slightly so the color runs to the darker side of the lighthouse, it should have a gradual effect. If it doesn't look like it is round let it dry a little and add some darker color to the dark side. If the light side is not looking lighter use tissue and blot out some of the colors.
DO NOT DO THE BLACK STRIPES YET. LET THIS STEP DRY while you work on other areas.

While the shadow around the lighthouse is drying paint the top of the lighthouse black. Paint in the row of trees on the horizon with dark green and black. This should be much darker than the lawn in front of it. Use blue-gray for the shadow side of the workhouse.
Add details to the foreground lawn by mixing a darker green and draw a few lines back and forth for texture.
Paint the base of the lighthouse gray/black.
Paint in the path with mustard yellow or light brown.

LAST DETAILS
Use black paint and add the stripes on the lighthouse. Give the workhouse black shadows for the windows and the roof. Use more black on the base of the lighthouse if it looks like the sea is blending into it. If the sea is too dark use a brush with clear water and a tissue to lift some color out.

(c)Adron D. 8/24/16

Printable How to Paint A Picture of a Cardinal Bird Worksheet

2017-02-23T14:40:00.007-08:00

Here is a free printable worksheet for painting a picture of the red cardinal bird.

The red cardinal is a classic picture and a fun project that any young artist would like to try. The artist will feel accomplished and confident when it is done.

Scroll down for the link to download the free PDF of this worksheet.

Remember to set your printer to color.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have trouble getting it to print, CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions, or try one of the updated links below that should print better.

Printable How To Paint A Cardinal Bird Worksheet

My printables are free, so print as many as you like I only ask that you consider making a donation. Your gift of support will enable me to create more worksheets for you.

Thank you for your support.

If the file above doesn't work the PDF below will be better.

CLICK HERE for a file in a portable format.

ART SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE PROJECT NOTES

TRACING
Start by tracing the design onto 140 lb watercolor paper. If the paper is too heavy to see through just hold it against a window with the light shining through and you should be able to trace it.

If you want a bigger picture try putting the worksheet through a copier and enlarging the design then trace over the enlargement.

FIRST WASH- BACKGROUND
Start with the background. Use yellow on the leaves. Wet the areas around the bird, branch, and leaves and drop in watery blue, and watery green, then let the colors flow and blend but not completely to give the background movement and interest.
NOW LET THIS STEP DRY

SECOND WASH
Use watery red on the bird followed with a little violet for the shadows and lines of the feathers.

AFTER IT IS DRY use the tip of a small brush and use an almost dry mixture to DRAW the lines of the feathers, mask, eye, beak, and claws.

Use blue in the shadow of the branch, while the blue is wet put a line of black on the edge, let the two colors flow together. Use light brown for the top of the branch.

(c)Adron Dozat 2/23/17

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Free Art Lesson Worksheet How to Paint A Picture of A Palm Tree At The Sea

2017-01-08T16:29:00.007-08:00

This is a free how-to-paint a picture of a palm tree lesson and worksheet.

I made this worksheet for the art class I was giving to some homeschoolers. It is simplified for the young artist or the beginner and focuses on basic skills and concepts.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems printing CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions or try the updated link below that should print better.

Printable How To Paint A Palm Tree Worksheet

My printables are free, so print as many as you like I only ask that you consider making a donation. Your gift of support will enable me to create more worksheets for you.

Thank you for your support.

If the photo file above is not cooperating with your printer the PDF below will work better.

CLICK HERE for a file in a universal portable format.

ART SUPPLY LIST

PRINTABLE NOTES

TRACE
Trace the picture onto heavy watercolor paper, if it is too dark to trace through try holding it against a window with the light shining through. If you use a copier you can enlarge the picture and then trace a larger one.

SKY
Do not paint the sky a flat blue. Use darker lavenders at the top and sunset oranges and yellows at the bottom.
Put some of the sunset colors in the sea and beach then let it dry.

LET IT DRY

DISTANT LAND
Mix watery brown and fill in the distant island. While it is still wet drop in darker browns and blues to give a silhouette with highlights look.

WATER
With back and forth strokes put light blue in the water but only about half of it. leave a lot of parts white and yellow. LET THIS STEP DRY then give a second layer of darker blues so you have light blue highlights and deep blue waves. Leave some of the yellow showing through.

THE TREE
Use a small brush and draw the palm leaves with yellow first then go back and add green in the bottom half of each leaf. Some are brown and hang down. Paint the trunk brown then while it is wet add some blue for darker areas and details.

BEACH
Use watery yellow and tan colors for the beach. Keep it smooth by the waves. In the Near ground use a small brush to give the sand texture.

Parents and teachers will be able to use this in school and at home.
It can be used in school as an extra assignment,
an easy lesson,
or a take-home project. It is simplified for the young artist or the beginner and focuses on basic skills and concepts.

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How To Paint A Picture Of A Swan In A Lake

2016-11-10T17:56:00.010-08:00

This is a free art lesson with a printable worksheet that can be used in class or at home.

The swimming swan a classic picture. It is a fun and easy project that any artist can make look good. When finished, the young artist will have a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

Printable Worksheet How To Paint A Swan

I am glad to create these How-to worksheets for you, and you are welcome to print as many as you need.

You may also like the How to Paint an Island in a Lake. CLICK HERE.

Here is a PDF file that may print better

CLICK HERE for a file in PDF format.

A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET

If you have problems printing, "CLICK HERE" to see the how-to-print page for some suggestions, or try the updated link below that should print better.

PRINTABLE NOTES

TRACE
Trace the picture onto heavy watercolor paper; if it is too dark to trace through, try holding it against a window with the light shining through. If you use a copier, you can enlarge the swan and then trace a larger one.

WATER
Paint the water with a large brush, and with a lot of water in your color, paint the water using long back and forth strokes. Use dark blue and green on the top and light blue on the bottom. Add a little violet or lavender. Keep the paint wet and let the colors blend as you push them back and forth across the water. Remember to leave an area white for the reflection of the swan.

LET IT DRY

SWAN
After the water has dried, use a small brush and draw in the shadows on the swan. Make a mix using a very little black and a little blue together. Keep it pale since you are only drawing the shadows on a white bird. I keep a little tissue near so I can blot it up if it is too dark.

Add the details to the face and the black edge to the bill last.

THE SHADOW
The shadow in the water is not black but blue-black. Mix dark blue and black to do the shadow in the water. Keep some areas white and have the shadow mirror the shape of the swan.

After it has all dried, look at it and see if it needs some movement or interest in the water. You can use a thin liner brush and add some white to put ripples to the water. You can also use a liner brush and a blue that is several shades darker and draw some ripples in the water.

(c) Adron D. 11/10/16

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