Great Blue Heron & Derwent Watercolor Pencils

Great Blue Heron Portrait
I photographed this elegant heron a couple of years ago when visiting Sea Pines Forest Preserve on Hilton Head Island (SC).

I decided to use the photo, a couple of weeks ago, in a Watercolor Pencil Techniques Workshop I gave in Beaufort, SC at Coastal Art Supply.

First, I had everyone take their pencils out for a spin. I too, did a color chart in the latest sketchbook I’ve been trying out: Pentalic’s Nature Sketch.

I love introducing watercolor pencils this way. Not only do the students get to see how many more colors they can get by mixing, but it’s also a good way to get used to the Niji Waterbrush.

I demonstrated several techniques, then handed out a variety of photos for the students to chose from.  Big Blue was the one chosen for a demo.  I didn’t get a chance to finish this piece in the workshop but did get the head and neck area done.

I am really quite pleased with the Pentalic sketchbook.  The paper, to me, is just as nice as the AquaBee sketchbook that I’ve enjoyed for many years.  There is a different tooth to the paper and it is a natural white, but still very pleasing.

You can click on the color study for a larger view.

4 comments on “Great Blue Heron & Derwent Watercolor Pencils

  1. Thanks, Ken! I guess the only thing I've noticed when scanning pieces on the Pentalic paper is that I have to set a higher contrast.

    Have you worked with Pentalic before? It sounds that way.

    And, yes, it's about time I put my art on the banner 🙂
    Glad you like it! I seem to have more blog browsers stop and read now 🙂

  2. OK, Pam you've convinced me. I'll give the Pentalic a try, even though I just bought a new Aquabee Super Deluxe. I think that there may be some connection between the two sketchbooks but I've had the hardest time proving that!

    And a very handsome heron. Your header also now is richly colored. A great introduction to the blog.

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