When you see what watercolor can do for a sketchbook, you will want to paint

Face it. If your sketchbook contains only drawings, you could use an upgrade.

paint can deepen values and add dimension

A sketchbook is something you can take with you to make drawings on-the-fly. Drawings are in pencil or pen. If you introduce even one watercolor as a wash, you can quickly deepen values that add dimension to your work.  

When I first begin using watercolors, it "ruined" my drawings. It muddied them up because I lacked practice. I also tried to use too many colors. 

To solve this beginner's dilemma, use no more than one or two paint colors. Once you practice executing a wash (a wash is a paint diluted with water), you will have hues in symphony with the drawing.  

How to add watercolor:

You will need a heavier paper than is usually used for drawing—a sketchbook sheet made for watercolor or mixed media.

You will need at least one brush, one tube or pan of paint, a cup for water, and a white nonporous surface (a palette) to mix the color with the water, "creating a wash."

A pencil and a waterproof pen will be used for drawing.

A sense of adventure.

Armed with the above minimal supplies, along with an attitude of self-acceptance, you will have fun. First, draw your sketch with a pencil. Next, improve the pencil lines with a waterproof ink pen. Why use a waterproof pen?  This is important.  If you apply a wash over a water-based ink, it will smudge the ink, and you lose the drawing’s integrity. Retrace your pencil lines, improving and correcting them.  Vary the width of the lines-no or minimal erasing at this point. Complete your drawing.

Squint your eyes to find the darkest darks—adding a paint color to this shape will give depth. Try a light blue wash for the darks. Let that first application of a wash dry. Layer another wash of blue to darken further areas of the shapes inside your first dried paint application.  Keep the washes light.  Let them dry between each application.  Continue until you are pleased with the results.

If this looks great, leave it.

For the more adventurous, add yellow close to the brightest brights. Leave the brightest areas of your sketch white.  Close to your whites, but further out, add another light wash.  Let this dry.  You are successfully adding another dimension to the sketch. It is being transformed into a painting. 

These exercises will not produce perfection. However, over time you will see improvements.  

Have you tried adding watercolor to your drawings or sketches? Was your experience a good one or a disappointing one? Do you have any suggestions you can share that would help others in their art journey? 

A prayer for guidance:

 "Let our lives and our art lift others. Establish our steps and delight in our way. In this time of fear and stress, help us to know that you hold our hand." Inspired by Psalm 37: 23-24.