Wednesday 28 January 2009

Craft Project No.2 - Watercolour Cats

A few years ago I drew a picture of a cat and attempted to colour it in with watercolour paints. I didn't know where to start with shading etc and gave up. Today I have found a much more easier and interesting way to add colour to my cat. I add the colour before I draw the cat!

To have a go at this project collect all the necessary things together as in Craft Project No.1. This time don't worry about masking sections off. Just tape down the corners to stop the paper from moving about.

Mix up a suitable cat colour using shades of yellow, orange and a touch of Burnt Sienna.

On one half of your paper dab splodges of paint randomly. To add interest and texture, press wet paint with a piece of scrunched up cling film.

Add some black paint over the top by mixing Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna to get an inky black colour or just use black paint.

On the other half of the paper just apply paint as you would a colour wash - from side to side and from top to bottom.

When the paint is dry draw your cats directly onto the paper with a black pigment ink drawing pen.

Roughly cut around each cat and then take a bit of time and care to cut closely around the cats leaving a tiny space between the drawn line and edge of the paper.

The colour wash backgrounds that were made in Craft Project No.1 can be used as backgrounds to mount the cats on to.

Using the drawing pen sketch a design on the background and attach the cats with foam pads or double sided sticky tape depending on how much dimension you want to create. You now have an interesting litter of kitty's to do what you will with! Try mounting several on a card, or create a picture or scene with them. If you are not too good at drawing then trace a design or use a rubber stamp with a suitable ink pad. Go and experiment! It is fun not knowing the kind of fur markings your cat is going to get!

18 comments:

  1. I love the little kittens and I'm fascinated by how you have painted them - the randomness of the colourings is great - and you can use them in many ways. What a great idea:)

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  2. very pretty what cute kitties. xx

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  3. Another clever idea Simone - they will make cute cards :0)

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  4. Oh aren't they fab! You're so creative, I would never have thought of that.

    Mel xxx

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  5. Those kitties are so cute!! They would be perfect as card toppers!

    Gemma x x

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  6. they're gorgeous - how clever

    April xx

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  7. Simone, very, very cute...you know how much I love kitties. You are quite talented with those watercolor paints.

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  8. I love these little painting tutorials and I will have a go one day. Promise!

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  9. Dear Simone,
    I wonder if I might try watercolour dogs?? Thanks for your lovely message about the marmalade... which reminds me, it's about time I got those Seville oranges in myself. It's a lovely annual ritual - I make about 10 jars, six of which see us through a year as I'm the only one who eats it for breakfast unless anyone is here staying, and give four or so away. My mother makes a lovely one using lemon and grapefruit rind as well - just substituting some of these other fruits for about half of the oranges, and it is lovely and looks very pretty.
    All good wishes,
    x Elspeth

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  10. Those little kittens are so sweet Simone. They would be lovely on cards.

    Tracey

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  11. Cutie kitties! I would like to adopt the second one on the right, top row! I love the new photo of Gizmo, he looks as if he is whistling! x

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  12. Oh such cute little cats - I love your projects as I never know where to start with watercolour and always wanted to try! When I find the time I'll have a go at this one :o)

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  13. Another stunning tute! I love the cats you've done. I'm sure my daughter will want to do this one. She so loved the last. Thanks for this post. x

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  14. Hi Simone - just letting you know I've left you a little surprise over on my blog!

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  15. Another great idea I would never have thought of!

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  16. What a great idea! I can't wait to try this.

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