{"id":9637,"date":"2020-02-18T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2020-02-18T12:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/?p=9637"},"modified":"2020-02-16T15:52:36","modified_gmt":"2020-02-16T19:52:36","slug":"how-to-draw-a-phoenix-with-water-soluble-graphite-pencils","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/how-to-draw-a-phoenix-with-water-soluble-graphite-pencils","title":{"rendered":"How to Draw a Phoenix with Water-Soluble Graphite Pencils"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"How<\/div>\n
\nIn this tutorial, we\u2019ll draw a phoenix \u2013 a mythical bird that is cyclically reborn by arising from the ashes of its predecessor.<\/p>\n

A phoenix is usually associated with the sun, fire, time, and long life. Some legends say that this creature may live for several hundred years before rebirth. A variety of cultures have stories of this fantastic bird.<\/p>\n

Water-Soluble Graphite Supplies<\/h2>\n

For our project, I\u2019ll be using three water-soluble graphite pencils<\/strong> from Daler Rowney Artists\u2019 Sketching series. In the dry state, they behave just as ordinary graphite pencils, allowing you to hatch, layer, or blend the strokes.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong> Graphite Drawing Techniques<\/a><\/p>\n

Other than that, applications of water-soluble graphite pencils can be activated with water. This feature is quite unusual for pencils that represent a scale of gray tones. However, it\u2019s possible to find water-soluble graphite pencils by other brands.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong> How to Draw with Water-Soluble Graphite<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Water-soluble<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll be using an ordinary non-water-soluble HB<\/strong> graphite pencil<\/strong> and an eraser<\/strong> to create sketches and the underdrawing for the final drawing. The initial lines should be water-resistant. This ensures that they\u2019ll remain visible at every step of the process.<\/p>\n

The size of the original artwork is A3. I\u2019ll be drawing on a sheet of thick watercolor paper<\/strong> (140 lb) with a rough texture. Of course, the choice of the surface is personal, but you should consider paper that is water absorbent.<\/p>\n

See also: All about Drawing Papers and Surfaces<\/a><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll need a container for water<\/strong> and a brush<\/strong>. Any soft watercolor brush that feels comfortable will be fine. Alternatively, you can use an aqua brush \u2013 a special tool with a reservoir for water.<\/p>\n

See also: All About Artist Paint Brushes – Hair Types, Shapes, Marks, and Parts<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/div>\n
The Guide to Graphite<\/span>
\n Take your pencil drawings to the next level. Learn how to master the medium of graphite in this comprehensive video course.
\n <\/p>\n
VIEW COURSE<\/div>\n

<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Drawing an Imaginary Creature<\/h2>\n

There are various approaches to designing creatures that can\u2019t be found in real life. I usually start with an idea and associations.<\/p>\n

Obviously, a phoenix is a bird, but we know little about its appearance. Some sources describe it as having a crest of feathers on its head, or endowed with a halo, which emphasizes its connection with the sun.<\/p>\n

There is no clear information about the creature\u2019s coloration. We just know that the phoenix was generally believed to be colorful and vibrant.<\/p>\n

I think that this lack of guidelines is a good thing. It leaves much room for us to fill in the gaps and use our imagination.<\/p>\n

The prototype will have a contour that is characteristic of other birds. Said simply, it should have two wings, two feet, a head, a neck, and a body \u2013 with feathers of different types covering the creature.<\/p>\n

You can give your phoenix any features that seem appropriate. At this step, it may be useful to research various species of existing birds. Ask yourself what features and details may fit the appearance of this fantastic creature.<\/p>\n

For example, your phoenix may have a head that resembles the one of an eagle or a falcon. This will emphasize the majestic, even imperious air that is inherent to predatory birds.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, the appearance of your phoenix may be close to a pheasant, a peacock, a rooster or even an ostrich. Why not? It\u2019s possible to combine the features of different birds together. Everything comes down to the vision that you have in mind.<\/p>\n

The Behavior of Water-Soluble Graphite Pencils<\/h2>\n

If you don\u2019t have any experience with water-soluble graphite pencils (or at least pencils of the particular brand), it may be beneficial to try them beforehand.<\/p>\n

In the image below, you\u2019ll find three samples made with HB, 4B, and 8B water-soluble pencils. Each sample can be divided into three parts. In the image, these sections are ordered from left to right – their borders are marked with a red line.<\/p>\n