I am glad to share this lesson for a watercolor project of a picture of an advent candle with you.
Be sure to scroll down to access the free PDF.
I wanted to do this nice little picture as an art lesson for some time. It is a lovely project and simple in design. It is a picture that you can use as a Christmas card or invitation. There are very few things that you need to pay attention to. My designs are only suggestions; I encourage you to experiment and try new things.
A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET
If you have problems making the file below print properly, then see the CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for suggestions that may help. There is a link to a PDF below the image.
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| How to paint a watercolor picture of an advent candle worksheet |
Sometimes it takes me hours or even days to create these how to worksheets, but I do it so that I can give back because I believe that when you have been given a gift, it is so you can be a gift to others, and I hope these worksheets are a means of blessing to you.
Here is a link to a PDF that may print better on some devices.
SUPPLY LIST
You can use any watercolor paint. I prefer my small Windsor Newton paint set; it has a nice selection of colors. I also use Grumbacher Paints in the tubes. You can easily find these at any craft store like Lobby Hobby or Michaels. (Look for coupons online.) You can collect lots of paintbrushes, but it is better at the start to keep it simple with a few small, medium, and medium-large brushes and a combination of flats as well as rounded paintbrushes. For these art lessons, I use Strathmore series 300 Watercolor paper. It is economical and available at Michaels and Hobby Lobby and online.
PRINTABLE NOTES
Start by tracing the project outline onto heavy watercolor paper. If you have problems tracing it, then try to hold the paper against a window with some light shining through; that way, you might trace it.
Mix your paint to make it watery, and paint in the dark blue for the background and the red for the tabletop. Keep your colors pale or light at first. You can always go over the color and make it darker later.
Use watery yellow color for the candle holder and the flame. Be very careful not to get any yellow into the area for the leaves or the berries. Use some orange that is not very watery for the edge. Use the tip of your brush and add the edge where the candle holder and the dish connect. (Try dabbing extra water off of your brush by touching it to a tissue).
Use some watery light green, and with the tip of your brush, paint in the leaves. Let the first light green dry, mix some dark green and add shadows and details to the leaves. To mix the darker green, try adding JUST A TOUCH of red, lavender, or brown to the green.
Use a bright red for the berries. Use the tip of your brush to make the berries round.
When the red is dry, mix some lavender with red and use the tip of your brush and draw the edges of the shadows on the berries, so they look round and not flat.
Use dark red and put some shadow under the leaves.
After everything has had a chance to dry, wet the white candle. Use the tip of your brush and draw a line of light blue along the edge of the candle. The water on the paper should pull the blue toward the center, so it fades gradually. When it has had a chance to almost dry, use the tip of your brush and draw a dark edge on the candle with dark blue.
Use black for the wick.
If the candle is lost in the background because both are blue makes the background darker. Use a little black and dark blue and give it another wash of color.
Sign and date your work about an inch from the bottom, so there is room for a frame.
(c) A. E. Dozat 1/18/21
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