avatarSusan Alison

Summary

The web content describes the process of drawing and painting a corgi dog as a novelist, using pencil, pen, and watercolour pencils, with a focus on finding the right words and shading techniques.

Abstract

The article provides a creative insight into the artistic process of Susan Alison, who illustrates the concept of a word nerd dog, specifically a corgi, engaged in the act of writing. Through a series of images and captions, Susan demonstrates the meticulous selection of words, the use of shading to convey form, and the application of watercolour pencils to add colour and depth to the drawings. The narrative emphasizes the iterative nature of writing and painting, as the artist refines her work, considering the interplay of light and shadow, and the practical challenges of finding space to paint. The article also includes links to Susan's other works and methods to support her artistry, such as joining Medium or purchasing her books and artwork.

Opinions

  • The author values the precision of word choice, likening the process to the careful consideration taken in drawing and painting.
  • Shading is presented as a crucial element in adding depth and realism to illustrations, with the artist using both traditional painting methods and pen shading.
  • The article suggests that the creative process is fluid, with the artist open to changing elements even after considerable time has been spent on them.
  • The use of watercolour pencils followed by water application is highlighted as a flexible technique for colouring and painting.
  • The artist acknowledges the importance of lighting in a composition, using it to enhance the three-dimensionality of objects.
  • Susan Alison shares her personal connection to the subject matter, identifying as a word nerd herself, and projecting this trait onto the corgi character.
  • The article concludes with an invitation for readers to engage further with the artist's work, offering various platforms for support and interaction.

HOW TO PAINT IN WATERCOLOUR

How to Draw and Paint a Word Nerd Dog

That is — a corgi dog novelist at work

Drawing by Susan Alison

This is a pencil drawing of me (well — it would be me, if I were a corgi) — angsting over which word to use. I can spend a lot of time trying to find exactly the word I want.

Drawing by Susan Alison

Having spent a lot of time finding exactly the right word, and I look as if I might have found it in the above drawing — which is the pen version of the pencil original, with the pencil rubbed out — then I’ll no doubt change that word later …

Drawing by Susan Alison

And, because I was still considering that word, I got carried away with the pen and put in some shading with the pen rather than relying solely on the painting of the picture — it’s just another way of getting shade, and therefore ‘form’, into a picture. It will actually make the painting of the picture easier because the shading is already there.

Shading can go in anywhere that you think about light being blocked by something, usually by the item itself. So it’s safe to shade the bottom of the ball, and the bottom of the bone. Just decide where the light is coming from and shade where the light is blocked.

Drawings and paintings by Susan Alison

The three pictures above show where I’ve coloured-in with watercolour pencils and then applied water to the pencil and mixed the colours on the paper.

Painting by Susan Alison

The first pictures look yellowy and the final one does not, because all of the pictures in this article were photographed except for the final one which was scanned.

Yep — this doggo is still angsting about using the right word.

He’s a word-nerd like I am.

All photos and paintings are by Susan Alison 2022

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