Like a bridge OVER (not under) troubled water.......

ETA: Sorry...it was late and I messed up the song!! AAACK!

I have a watercolor tutorial for you guys today...are you ready? I hope so, cause I worked super hard on it!

Supplies Needed:

Line Image Stamp (I used Rain or Shine from My Favorite Things)
Watercolor Paper (140 lb. Cold Pressed used here.)
Water brushes (I like Niji brand)
Permanent Black Ink
Dye Ink Refills
Ink Well Palette
Niji Pearlescent Watercolors





Stamp image on Watercolor paper in permanent black ink (I used Brilliance Graphite Black) and allow it to dry. You can use a heat gun if you’re impatient like me.

Starting with your LIGHTEST color, begin coloring your image. Colors used here (SU-Soft Sky, Blush Blossom, & So Saffron; Adirondack-Shell Pink & Citrus)

One of my tricks is to make sure I use the LEAST amount of water possible. This way, you have a lesser chance of your inks bleeding or traveling outside the lines. If your brush is too wet, squeeze the brush tip between your finger and thumb from the top of the brush to the end. I also keep a paper towel handy to absorb extra water.

After your image is COMPLETELY DRY (no cheating!!), add depth by layering another color. (I used Regal Rose from Stampin’ Up)

You’ll notice I try to stay just inside the lines. I don’t mind white spots as much as I mind bleeding outside the lines! Here is the image with the full 2nd layers added, except to the water. We’ll do that later. I used Adirondack Lettuce and Close to Cocoa from Stampin’ Up.)

After that dries (YES, ALL THE WAY!!), add a 3rd shadow color. I used Purely Pomegranate.

Once you’ve added your shadow colors (Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, & Purely Pomegranate), add shadows where you think they’d be in the water. Here’s what it looked like before I blended it. (I used Cool Caribbean.)

Soften the edges of the shadowed areas with your waterbrush. Be careful to stay only in the water and not touch her boots!

I decided to add a little shimmer to her coat and boots, so I used my Pearlescent Watercolors. It’s a little exaggerated here due to my lighting, but it’s sooo pretty in real life!

And here’s your finished product! I used Diamond Glaze (aka Crystal Effects) to add shine to the water and then made some raindrops across the image as well.

I hope this helps you guys...and make sure you check out the What's Up Wednesday Special from MFT!