Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Introduction 00:00
Creating my digital collage 00:49
Creating my preliminary sketch and transferring 02:43
Watercolor painting process 03:51
There are many ways to use reference photos when working on a drawing or painting.
In this video, I share one of my favorite methods: creating a collage by combining multiple photos in a single composition to then draw or paint from.
While this video isn’t a step-by-step tutorial, I do explain my painting process and share the colors I used to create this piece. I’ve also attached my outline sketch, digital collage, and supply list in case you’d like to give this painting a try! You'll find them at the end of the post.👩🎨
I am half-Mexican and have lived in Mexico most of my life. Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a yearly celebration that holds special meaning for me. I created this piece some time ago, very much inspired by this day.
I hope you find it helpful and, if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the Comments below. 💙
► Find my courses on Gumroad here:
erikalancasterartist.gumroad.com
► Recommended Resources
How to Choose Photos for Art-Making Purposes youtu.be/NZ5-beblcPw
Best Free Online Resources for Artists youtu.be/5H2aI0X1tdg
Wet-on-Wet vs. Wet-on-Dry (Guide for Beginners) youtu.be/PQSgi0tSb5s
► Supplies used in video:
-Arches Cold Press Watercolor Pad 10x14 in, 12 sheets amzn.to/3jcHySg
-Strathmore 300 Series Tracing Paper Pad 9"x12" amzn.to/34nmIIy -Canson Sketchbook 11x14” amzn.to/3dcHjV5
-Factis Soft Graphite Eraser shrsl.com/2cj1m
-Kneaded eraser amzn.to/2IaCPmt
-Prismacolor Drawing Pencil (HB, 2B) shrsl.com/2cj1p
-Royal and Langnickel Zen Watercolor Brushes shrsl.com/212g5
Round (14)
-Royal Talens Round (6) *This one came included with the Van Gogh set below
-Princeton Neptune Quill Brush (6) amzn.to/33EoNSh
-Van Gogh 24 Color Botanical Set shrsl.com/2dzrn
-Winsor & Newton Cotman Set amzn.to/30NYMOz
-St. Petersburg White Nights 12 Color Set amzn.to/3lvGs4R
Colors:
Transparent Yellow Medium Yellow Ochre
Carmine
Burnt Umber
Ultramarine Deep
Neutral Black
-Blue Scott shop towels amzn.to/2LUITNI
-PRO ART 1-Inch by 60-Yards White Artist Tape amzn.to/2FJgmrC
-Meeden Ceramic Rectangular Watercolor Mixing Palette amzn.to/32p0KGH
► Find a list of my favorite art supplies here:
erikalancaster.com/favorite_art_supplies.html
► Join my Patreon community for exclusive real-time sketching and watercolor tutorials, individualized feedback from me on your work, classes on Art Fundamentals, live art practice and chat every month, and more: patreon.com/erika_lancaster_artist
► Access my full art courses over on Skillshare and get 1 *FREE* month to enjoy all sorts of amazing creative classes
skillshare.com/en/r/user/erika_lancaster_artist?gr_tch_ref=on&gr_trp=on
► Become an art email insider to receive special messages from me and resources to help you improve your sketching and watercolor skills:
https://lancaster-e85-gmail-com.ck.page/d32ef80353
► Visit the Artist Merch Studio Shop for great gifts for artists and gear to help you stay inspired:
etsy.com/shop/artistmerchstudio
► Gear + Art Business Tools:
-Canon T6 EOS Rebel DSLR Camera
amzn.to/2Xt69HY
-Manfrotto 196B-2 143BKT 2-Section Single Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket (Black) amzn.to/2l7HJ8j
-Yeti Microphone amzn.to/3PtzE9G
-LED Lights for Video Filming amzn.to/45JPfrd
-MacBook Pro 16 inch amzn.to/3sFavQe
*Disclaimer: This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. It is also a participant of Share-a-Sale, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
#arttipsforbeginners #watercolorskull
Introduction 00:00
Creating my digital collage 00:49
Creating my preliminary sketch and transferring 02:43
Watercolor painting process 03:51
There are many ways to use reference photos when working on a drawing or painting.
In this video, I share one of my favorite methods: creating a collage by combining multiple photos in a single composition to then draw or paint from.
While this video isn’t a step-by-step tutorial, I do explain my painting process and share the colors I used to create this piece. I’ve also attached my outline sketch, digital collage, and supply list in case you’d like to give this painting a try! You'll find them at the end of the post.👩🎨
I am half-Mexican and have lived in Mexico most of my life. Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a yearly celebration that holds special meaning for me. I created this piece some time ago, very much inspired by this day.
I hope you find it helpful and, if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the Comments below. 💙
► Find my courses on Gumroad here:
erikalancasterartist.gumroad.com
► Recommended Resources
How to Choose Photos for Art-Making Purposes youtu.be/NZ5-beblcPw
Best Free Online Resources for Artists youtu.be/5H2aI0X1tdg
Wet-on-Wet vs. Wet-on-Dry (Guide for Beginners) youtu.be/PQSgi0tSb5s
► Supplies used in video:
-Arches Cold Press Watercolor Pad 10x14 in, 12 sheets amzn.to/3jcHySg
-Strathmore 300 Series Tracing Paper Pad 9"x12" amzn.to/34nmIIy -Canson Sketchbook 11x14” amzn.to/3dcHjV5
-Factis Soft Graphite Eraser shrsl.com/2cj1m
-Kneaded eraser amzn.to/2IaCPmt
-Prismacolor Drawing Pencil (HB, 2B) shrsl.com/2cj1p
-Royal and Langnickel Zen Watercolor Brushes shrsl.com/212g5
Round (14)
-Royal Talens Round (6) *This one came included with the Van Gogh set below
-Princeton Neptune Quill Brush (6) amzn.to/33EoNSh
-Van Gogh 24 Color Botanical Set shrsl.com/2dzrn
-Winsor & Newton Cotman Set amzn.to/30NYMOz
-St. Petersburg White Nights 12 Color Set amzn.to/3lvGs4R
Colors:
Transparent Yellow Medium Yellow Ochre
Carmine
Burnt Umber
Ultramarine Deep
Neutral Black
-Blue Scott shop towels amzn.to/2LUITNI
-PRO ART 1-Inch by 60-Yards White Artist Tape amzn.to/2FJgmrC
-Meeden Ceramic Rectangular Watercolor Mixing Palette amzn.to/32p0KGH
► Find a list of my favorite art supplies here:
erikalancaster.com/favorite_art_supplies.html
► Join my Patreon community for exclusive real-time sketching and watercolor tutorials, individualized feedback from me on your work, classes on Art Fundamentals, live art practice and chat every month, and more: patreon.com/erika_lancaster_artist
► Access my full art courses over on Skillshare and get 1 *FREE* month to enjoy all sorts of amazing creative classes
skillshare.com/en/r/user/erika_lancaster_artist?gr_tch_ref=on&gr_trp=on
► Become an art email insider to receive special messages from me and resources to help you improve your sketching and watercolor skills:
https://lancaster-e85-gmail-com.ck.page/d32ef80353
► Visit the Artist Merch Studio Shop for great gifts for artists and gear to help you stay inspired:
etsy.com/shop/artistmerchstudio
► Gear + Art Business Tools:
-Canon T6 EOS Rebel DSLR Camera
amzn.to/2Xt69HY
-Manfrotto 196B-2 143BKT 2-Section Single Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket (Black) amzn.to/2l7HJ8j
-Yeti Microphone amzn.to/3PtzE9G
-LED Lights for Video Filming amzn.to/45JPfrd
-MacBook Pro 16 inch amzn.to/3sFavQe
*Disclaimer: This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. It is also a participant of Share-a-Sale, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
#arttipsforbeginners #watercolorskull
