Description

Sketching a complex scene can be intimidating, but the COLOR First Ink Later approach from Mike Daikubara can make it easy to create vibrant, dynamic and fun sketches! Instead of line work followed by adding color, broad watercolor washes of loose color are applied first using a mop brush and line is added later. This approach ultimately makes it easier and less intimidating to get started and you’ll quickly find that the colors will perform their magic by mixing on their own on the paper. Once the initial layer of the color wash has dried, the sketch is brought to life with ink, additional colors and highlights– all using limited tools in a limited amount of time. The workshop is based on the sequel to Mike’s book “Sketch NOW Think LATER,” and is perfect for beginners as well as more for more experienced sketchers.

Distance to sketching location:
.3 mile
Average walking time:
7 minutes

Learning Goals

In this workshop, participants will: 

• Learn how to immediately jump into a sketch with broad watercolor washes without hesitation
• Learn to stop trying to control detail by applying colors first in direct water color
• Discover how colors will help you add ink in the following phase
• Bring focus to the sketch story line work, additional colors and highlights, resulting in a rewarding sketch

Supply List

• Sketchbook with paper thick enough to be able to handle lots of water. My personal favorite is the Stillman & Birn Beta series with thicker paper appropriate for use with water media.
• Pen –  Waterproof ballpoint pen, felt tip pen or fountain pen. I enjoy using the Uni Ball Signo 0.38 Black pen
• Mop brush – My favorite is the Davinci #2 mop brush but any brush that can hold lots of water works well.
• Small water container ( I use a Nalgene 2 oz container but any small container/ jar will work)
• Water brush – One brush will easily last a couple of years! Medium tip is a nice size.
• Grey brush pens – Tombow brush pens (N75, N65, N55) are perfect for adding 3 grey values
• White ink – Sakura Gelly Roll and Uni Posca White
• Watercolor kit –  Any water kit is fine, but if you do not have one, a nice intro kit can be purchased from Sakura Koi. I used the Koi for years, but then later have continued to use the outer case with colors removed and with new colors added in from Holbein.

Optional Supplies

• All of my personal favorite Urban Sketching supplies are listed here:
  Miked’s Urban Sketching Supplies (Amazon)