25 November 2011

Can you colour white?

Make it Crafty Challenge
"Colour White"

I guess it is easiest if I post my image first:


The image was coloured with Copics, the background was airbrushed with Caran D'ache pencil additions to the hair and clear gel pen on the halo.


I am going to try and do a "How to" section with the Make It Crafty Challenges from now on - in an attempt to make my posts a little more fun and fingers crossed - informative!!


How to Colour White
(well Jane's method anyway)

I've coloured the above image with Copics, but whatever medium you opt for will require similar colours to get this effect:


The temptation when you are faced with a white dress or at this time of year, snow, is to leave the area completely uncoloured.  But that just leaves you with a very flat, somewhat boring image and if we're honest none of us want that.

To avoid this you actually need to colour the shadows and thereby give the impression of a white object - in this instance the little Angels dress and bow.

If you still think I'm being daft look at "white" objects around your house and you will see that none of them are pure white - they are basically shades of grey - to show what I mean here is an image of my radiator below:


Shock, horror - it's not plain white!!

I like to start with the palest grey and build up to the darkest shades - believe it or not from C00 right up to C5, blending as I go. I also added a dash of BG0000 and B0000.  The only parts that I have left uncoloured are parts of the right sleeve and the two front folds and parts of the bow - everywhere else has been coloured with various shades of grey.

Why not give it a try yourself - and enter this fortnights challenge, posting your entry HERE

...............and I'd like to enter my little Angel into the following challenges:
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
Creative Card Crew - Monochromatic
Deep Ocean Challenge - "C" is for Christmas and Cool Blue
Digital Tuesday Challenge - Sparkle and Shine
Papertake Weekly - Christmas Crackers

Happy colouring

21 comments:

Delphine said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Jane! Your white colouring is perfect, but I also love her hair and face... Great idea to have a how to section, and I love the photo you have added:-)! Hugs Delphine xx
PS: Congratulations on your Top 5 at ABC Christmas:-)

Sarah-Jane said...

Wow! Your colouring is fantastic. I saw your link over at MIM. xx

Shuly said...

wow, i don't usually like angels very much but this one is compelling! so cute and my oh my you are talented for coloring!! the shadows on the fce, the light on the hair and her dress wooo it's all so magical!
thanks for sharing on make it monday!

Shuly said...

P.S: you're not planning on making a color tutorial by any chance? ;D
well if you do, pleaaaase tell me!

Mary J said...

WOW! Jane incredible colouirng, just love it! Thx for linking it up to the Make it Monday party!

Mary J x

DesignerDiva said...

Absolutely stunning colouring - I'm in awe!

Thanks for sharing it with us at Oldie But a Goodie this week and good luck with the challenge
Laurie x

sara said...

fab card stunning colouring thanks so much for joining us at oldie but a goodie and deep ocean this week
hugs sara x

Househund said...

Ahhh This ones so sweet Jane.
I do so love your cards...
The image and colouring says it all.
They are never over dressed,you always seem to get the balance "Just Right"

Liza said...

A beautiful card Jane, your colouring is gorgeous and your image really pops.

Liza x

Cathy said...

Jane, Beautifully colored as always, love the tutorial, I love to color white, may try to find time for this challenge :) Always love to visit your beautiful bit of cyberspace for inspiration!!!

Carly said...

What superb colouring! I love images from Make It Crafty!!!!

Thanks so much for joining us at Creative Craft Challenges.

xoxoxox Carly

Dawn said...

Your coloring of the angel is wonderful Jane! Just a lovely card! Hugs!

Kary said...

Gorgeous card, Jane!! I Love your colouring - fabulous job!! Thanks for joining the challenge at Daisy Doodles.

Karita said...

Oohh wow!! Your card is beautiful! :) Image is so pretty and I love your colouring :)

Thank you for joining at Deep Ocean :)
Hugs,
Karita

dragonllew said...

Lovely card your colouring is perfect thanks for joining us at Creative Craft Challenge this time.
Jenny x

Pat said...

Oh Jane! What a great tutorial on coloring white. Thank you so much!!I have always struggled with coloring white! Your card is amaaaaazing! Hugs. Pat Frank

Kendra said...

Hey, I LOVE this! Your colouring is fantastic, but I'm wondering where you got the image/who it's by? Thanks :)

Jane said...

Kendra, you can find it here http://www.makeitcrafty.com/

Nancy Jensen said...

Love this tutorial! Thank you for posting it!

Inkypinkydelights said...

I am so pleased I have stumbled upon your Blog. Lovely work and this is no ex exception. Happy Weekend. Judy x

Househund said...

I can't believe how many colours are used to create white.. or to make white look realistic.
You've convinced me to go a little darker.. .but I won't get your results... :o( so i'll just sit and enjoy your work I think :o)