Thank you so much Linda (Holstein) for hosting the Ways to Use It Challenge - Tortoise or Hare?
I am delighted to share my card today, and to let you know that I am a Tortoise! No surprise there huh? I believe I am a Tortoise because I love the process of art.
I actually created this card yesterday morning. I have had the image stamped for a very long time, and yesterday I just felt like coloring. Ever have days like that? The piece took several hours to finish. The interesting thing is when I began this journey in papercrafting, I found Mo's Digital Pencil and started using her digital images in 2010. If you're unsure about digital, Penny Black carries some of Mo's designs in Cling form.
What are some of my tips? When I color a large piece I often do not create a fancy layout. I want the focal image to do the talking (so to speak). Because of that, I add interest by adding other mediums. In this case I added glossy accents to the pan paints, and to the tips of the paint brushes. I also used a multi-liner 0.3 here and there to add depth (look at the left hand jean pocket and cuff). If you look at her face closely you'll see that I used violet on the shaded side of her face. A little V20 that will blend nicely with the flesh tones (something I learned from Marianne Walker and Jennifer Dove). I also gave her some "dirty" jeans by adding W3 over the blues when I finished. The back of her drawing pad is colored with E81, but...I wanted to show the paper flecks in the cardboard so I took a piece of textured fun foam and lightly (key word lightly) inked and stamped off before touching the back of the pad. I like the look I was able to achieve.
One thing I always do if possible is follow the color scheme used by the illustrator (if it's available) the first time. If you are new to Copics or pencils it's a nice way to help you find your light source and not feel intimidated with color choices.
This time I did change her shirt color. A young red-head always looks good in coral. After I have colored the piece once, I will usually revert to my own color palette choice.
Have you decided? Are you a tortoise or a hare? Whatever you decide, do something today that makes your heart sing!
Happy Coloring everyone!
Edited: I wanted to add something else. When you have worked so hard on your card, be sure to try and get the best photograph you can. You'll be pleased you took the time (she smiles). And, for those who would like to see this card with embellishments you can find both cards on my blog Summerwalk Designs.
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2015 GMT Views: 2093
Favorited:16
Accessories: Big Shot, MFTs (In & Out Stchd Rnde Die), Ranger Glossy Accents, Uni-ball Signo White Pen, Copic Multi-Liner 0.3 pen, Small piece of textured fun foam
Registered: March 5, 2007 Location: Coatesville, Pennsylvania Posts: 44920
Thu, Mar 26, 2015 @ 5:35 PM
This flew right into my favorites!!! I must say that your coloring is off the charts cool! I love how you gave her eye shadow and how you dirtied her jeans! The yellow shadow around her is perfect! I love everything about your wonderful card!
------------------------------ Lesley Proud Fan Club and RAK Member He is the GOD of the Impossible!!!! Kookzi the Rookzie Punchkateer It is by the grace of God that we take our next breath.
Registered: May 25, 2006 Location: So. Oregon Posts: 121721
Thu, Mar 26, 2015 @ 6:55 PM
I am not surprised at all... coloring things is always pushes me to the turtle stage. and coloring comes in waves of mood swings. this is such a cool image love what you did with her Susie.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Favorites Team Notifier Splitcoast Challenge Hostess
Registered: October 26, 2009 Location: Oakhurst, near Yosemite Nat'l Park. Posts: 46781
Thu, Mar 26, 2015 @ 7:01 PM
Beautiful Susie! I'm a turtle too! Heehee! No wonder this took you a bunch of time...colored beautifully!! You can see her heart singing!!
I went to your blog too! I like both versions!
------------------------------ Blessings, Robin Encourage one anotherMy Blog-InkMagination , QFTD201,Dirty Dozen Alumni.Impression Obsession DT, DRS DT.Formerly HC DT, ODBD DT.
Registered: March 31, 2008 Location: Eastlake, OH Posts: 22598
Thu, Mar 26, 2015 @ 7:04 PM
Your coloring is PHENOMENAL! Not only did your warm grays give the jeans a bit dirty look, it also gave them that worn look! Thanks for your wonderful tips, Susie! I always feel like coloring and like you, I could sit for hours doing it! I'm a tortoise for sure. Right into favorites!
Registered: February 21, 2007 Location: Bay City, MICHIGAN Posts: 17556
Thu, Mar 26, 2015 @ 7:10 PM
Stunning coloring as always, Susie, from another tortoise, though I haven't even started a card for that challenge yet (yes, a true tortoise here!) since I was cramming in the ones from the earlier part of the week!
Your image all by itself, is a wonderment in its own right - attention to every little detail of this delightful MM image - every little shadow or highlight - yes, I am taking notes now - even the lines of the muscles in her arm, and the flecks on the cardboard pad - are so perfect.
Thank you for all you share with us - so very grateful!!!
------------------------------ SUE aka GREENIE - Twisted Sistah Handmade cards because..No one displays an email on their mantle, or saves a FB post in a box of treasures! Nothing is impossible with God!
Registered: January 6, 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 20543
Thu, Mar 26, 2015 @ 7:38 PM
Love, love, love this and your coloring is amazing! And your sentiment echos my signature line!
------------------------------ Rediscovering the simple joy of stamping and exploring my art! Stamp your ART out! Share your thoughts. Let your heart sing.
Come check out my Gallery and leave a comment!
FS465
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Proud Fan Club Member Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: April 18, 2011 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 51844
Thu, Mar 26, 2015 @ 10:31 PM
Nana B I never know what to do first, admire your incredible card for the longest time or go straight to your story. Both, as always are wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing all the tips. I still struggle with getting the shadows right...never occured to me to follow the illistrators copy!! You never fail to inspire me Susie. xx
------------------------------ Susie
Please don't take your organs to heaven - heaven knows we need them here.