Have you ever wondered what the process can look like behind an illustration? Today, in this “Behind-the-Scenes” post, I’ll be sharing an overview of the process involved in the Psalm 1:2-3 Illustration!

As I began the illustration I did several smaller quick studies first, exploring the concept, as well as looking at some reference photos I could use. 

Then, I went to a larger piece of paper and drew myself a space to do the illustration in. I started with pencil and then came in with pen.

TIP: One helpful thing to do before erasing the pencil (after working on top with pen), is to use a hairdryer and blow air on the pen work to help keep it from smearing when you erase.

After scanning the drawing into my computer, I then used it to help me in doing value studies and color studies using a computer program. (This shows a sampling of the studies.)

Something I have found very helpful, is to print my drawing onto the paper I’m going to use and not try to either re-draw it onto the paper myself or use the original drawing. This provides me with a back-up plan if I find I don’t like how it’s turning out as I work over it with color. I printed out the drawing on some watercolor paper and I realized that I had forgotten to do something with the drawing in the computer first and decided to go back and edit that before using it. So once again, I printed it out on watercolor paper. I was now ready to paint!

I used watercolor paint first and considered stopping just with the watercolor layer. However, I decided to use colored pencil on top. 

Before doing so, however, I scanned in the watercolor drawing and re-printed it onto bristol paper. Smooth bristol paper can be wonderful for colored pencil. This works very well, as it keeps me from dealing with the texture of the watercolor paper, and yet still gives the effect of watercolor.

After building up some colored pencil on top of the watercolor illustration, I finally finished it!

You can view the illustration with the corresponding Scripture verses here. I hope this was interesting and informative to see! Do you like watercolor or enjoy colored pencil? Let me know in the comments! :)