As a young child back in the sixties, I actually taught myself how to draw by tracing pictures. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was actually developing ‘muscle memory’ by doing the tracing and also learning how to observe and therefore develop an ‘artists eye’.
I’ve been using permanent markers to “trace” right on the pages of adult coloring books. I recently spent two months doing that with a detailed bird coloring book, and it has improved even my watercolor birds.
My problem is my eyesight is so bad, I can’t erase my transfer lines, because there will be no design to see. Maybe I just figure out a way to keep them as part of design.
@@beckyreed8938 magnifying glass. No really… I keep a 4 inch one in the same holder as my “serious work” fancy mechanical pencils & refills. So it’s always right there and became as habitual as grabbing the pencils or refills. Also great for quickly staring at hangnails and hand freckles instead of drawing, but that’s optional. 😂
I often use a watercolour pencil to draw the design on the paper because then when you paint it the drawn lines blend in nicely with your painting without having to rub the lines back with the kneaded rubber.
At a watercolour class yesterday, they suggested using watercolour pencils to draw the pictures using the pictures' colours. This way, they blend into the picture when wet and no use of eraser.
I haven’t tried that. Sometimes you want your pencil lines to be visible through the first few layers for complex, detailed paintings. If the watercolor pencils dissolve right away, you won’t be able to see your drawing after the initial wash.
@@JackieHernandezWatercolorThat won’t happen if you use polychromos color pencils, as they are oil based and will remain visible under the first washes. I use a combination of erasable color pencils for the parts I want to have no visible lines and oil-based pencils for the parts I need to see the details. I use a color that matches the watercolor so that my washes are not muddy and the lines blend beautifully with the watercolor. I hate using graphite pencils because they always end up muddying my colors.
@@irisouyart if your graphite is mudding the color, you might be either 1) using too little color, or too weak a brand of paint, or 2) using too heavy a hand with the pencil, or using too dark/soft a pencil.
Lightly wiping a new sheet of Saral with a paper towel or soft cloth will brush off the surface powder and prevent smudging - and it will still be good for many transfers.
You were absolutely right about tip #4 being an awesome way to trace! I wasn't even aware that there is an "artist" tracing paper! Great video, Jackie! 👏👏
When I was a kid I used my window for tracing or my café table glass top, with lamp underneath. That was my first "lightbox" I think. We can be very creative if we want something to be done 😂
As a young draughtsman, I had to transfer land surveys to lease maps on legal documents. Everyone used the window method, which worked even for thick legal paper.
Painting and drawing are two totally different skills. It's OK if you can't draw. Just like a musician, who might be an excellent violinist but just can't get the hand coordination to play the piano very well. It's not cheating to trace just as long as you're honest about it.
Your delivery is excellent; you speak and teach so very well. Your viewers may find it helpful that one must use wax free graphite transfer paper, so the wax residue does not repel the watercolor. I have not found the transfer paper to be messy, as I do not handle it much. I have been using the same sheet for years! The pencil scribbling on the back of the drawing I find to be more likely to transfer graphite and be messy. These are all excellent ideas. Thank you so much!
Thank you! The Saral transfer paper is wax-free and does not repel watercolor. It’s good to point that out as a key feature to look for in transfer paper.
I love the tracing paper method. Thanks! I found a way to simplify it. Instead of tracing over the lines to transfer the pencil to the watercolor paper, I rubbed over the lines. You could use a popsicle stick. I happened to have a glass nail file with a rounded end and used that. That way I didn’t have to be too precise. I used an 8B pencil so it was very soft and easy to transfer.
MyArtScape graphite paper leaves no mess at all behind and you can use either side. And it’s eraseable so any mistakes can be easily corrected. Not affiliated, just love the product!
Saral tracing paper also comes in several colors - white, yellow, blue, and red. Yellow will show up on white watercolor paper without the messiness of graphite. Any smudges in an area you need to stay pure white can easily be erased, but the colored Saral doesn't smudge as easily as the graphite.
ohhh those last tips! 😮 i feel like i may have known about this at some point in my life but not sure. when i was younger i used to trace using baking paper which basically looks like those tracing papers you showed. i may try this again one day and see if it works well.
The 2H pencil is a good idea. However, I accidentally used my silver metallic pencil one day for a transfer, and it vanished... after the painting was done, I could hardly see the silver lines, much less have to erase them. I use the silver pencil routinely now. Great video. Thank you for posting! 🎉
I used to purchase a pack of tracing paper (8.5”X11”) and placed it between my drawing and the watercolor paper. No matter how hard I tried I always ended up with a messy watercolor sheet. Since then I either cover the back of my drawing with light graphite or, if I already know what paint is going where, I used a watercolor pencil. That pencil dissolved when I started painting. Your last method of just applying pencil where the drawing’s lines are is what I do if the drawing is very simple. Again, if I know what paint colors go where I will use a watercolor pencil on the backside of the drawing. Great video. I am sure many people learned a great technique.
Your welcome. I didn’t know about the tracing paper either, until I ran out and borrowed some from my kids. I ordered more of the Strathmore Tracing Paper right away 😊
Very helpful! You are an excellent teacher, Jackie. You give simple yet precise instructions, and point out difficulties you may encounter along with ways to avoid them. I learn so much from your channel. Thank you.
😊 Thank you so much. I’m really glad this information is helpful. I’m trying to share what I’ve learned as a self-taught artist, in hopes it will help others.
I can’t believe I never thought to try using the tracing paper as the transfer medium directly. I’ve always used the other methods (except the light box, since I use watercolor blocks mostly). Thanks for the tips.
Even though I have a light box, I always trace image onto regular copy paper first and then put that tracing onto light box and trace onto watercolor paper. I keep all my tracings onto copy paper and file it away just in case I need that tracing again.
A lint roller works much better than a kneaded eraser for removing excess graphite from the paper, especially if you are tracing a larger drawing. The more you use the lint roller over your paper, the more the tracing lines fade and leaves your paper free of graphite smudges.
I too started using tracing paper in my art work at school. I am now 60, back then tracing paper was regularly part of art and craft lessons, including sewing, pottery, painting and drawing. It’s great for designing and visualising ideas.😊
Love the last hack. Have always used that way to trace since schooldays but transferring to a painted background is a brilliant idea ,would never have thought of that👍👏👏👏
@@JackieHernandezWatercolor I will certainly try it, marking watercolours is right up my street. Your style of tutoring is brilliant, straight to the point with out unnecessary waffle. Thank you 🥳🫶
After the Lightpad, Tip #4 is my preferred method. Depending on which motif you choose, it is enough to simply rub the back of the tracing paper with your thumbnail or a spoon instead of tracing it again. If necessary, and because I'm rather lazy, I just print out the mirrored motif and trace it. This is particularly helpful if letters or fonts are included in the design. You can then enlarge or reduce the motif using the printer. If the paper doesn't have to be transparent then I use this method on the back of the printout. I then use the lightpad for this. There are many ways to use this method. Thanks for the great video 🤗🤗
Thank you, very helpful video! To avoid getting graphite on your fingers, you can make a "tab" from a fold of adhesive tape on the edge of it, then you would hold the tab to lift the graphite.
I love graphite paper. I get it from DeSerres art supply (Ontario Canada). Like the tracing paper, there is a huge difference in the quality compared with standard graphite paper. I've been using the same 9x12 piece for over a year. Even when brand new, I never had the issue with graphite transfer to my hands. Nor are smudges much of an issue. I've used all of your methods, except #4, which is so simple and obvious, but I've never thought of it. Since I do mainly urban cityscapes/buildings, this is going to be a game changer- especially when I do seasonal triptych groupings.
Love this. Thank you. I have a home made light Bix, but it's light isn't bright enough to show through 2 layers of paper! The last tracing method is definitely the best! Thanks also for the free resources. I'll be checking out your watercolour textures course too! 🤗
Hi Jackie, I'm new to your channel and love it! Thanks for sharing so many techniques to transfer drawings. Also, it's very generous of you to provide a link to your free line drawing library. I'll check it out, as well as your other videos. I'm also going to share your channel link with my sister, as she is a fabulous artist! Wishing you a happy day.
Dot From the UK Just found your channel, I'm glad I did. Lots of yummy information that I will be able to use. Thank so much for sharing. Looking forward to watching more of your videos, also watched, The Easy Sketchbook That Changed My Life, loved that one too. Lots of love from the UK, Dot xxx.
Jackie! You've just become my best friend! I have the same light box as you do. I've FOREVER thought I had a broken one. Every time I'd touch it, it should turn off or get dimmer or brighter! I'd be in the middle of trasing something and the dammed thing would turn off! IT'S NIT BROKEN!! I HAVE A VERY GOOD LIGHT BOX!!!🤗😂🤣 I bought this from Amazon and the instructions that came with it was in such a tiny font, I just had to wing it! I also thought it was broken because I have to leave the charger cord plugged into it... but yours had the charger cord in it too!! THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH MY LIGHT BOX... although I'm not sure why it's called a light box when it's just a flat screen.. but I don't cats!!! I didn't get ripped off!!! I can use it!!! I haven't used it in months because every time I thought it had magically healed itself, it would dim out or just turn off. I'm a new watercolor student. It morphed from doing lettering and THERE'S too Zen tangles...I like coloring in my patterns. They are just like those beautiful 'adult coloring books' ( I don't like that name. It sounds like some kind of porn thing😂🤣😅) that you can buy and use felt tip markers. I can now make my own and color them in with wasteful. I've watched so many intimidating tutorials.. you artists are amazing. Slowly but surely I'm getting better but..I can't come up with my own sketches. I've just had to get good at copying but I used the eracer so much that my white watercolors paper turns grey and fuzzy!😊 But now I can trace them on my basically "brand new light box"!!! Again...Thank you so much. I look forward to learning from you!
I’m glad I could help. Just hold your finger on the power button and it will come back to full brightness. The cord is really a power cord not a charging cord, so it does have to be plugged in to turn on. Light boxes used to be the size of tables 😂 but thankfully we have LED lights now to make them so much thinner.
Your site is a wonderful discovery! I'm not a watercolorist. I use colored pencils and related media for coloring books. There are times when I like to add elements to an existing drawing. These are great ideas! Thank you so much. I can't wait to explore the other free tutorials you've kindly shared. Subscribing!
Yes you can! They are fun to paint when you don’t want to draw and just want to play. Im working on another video about adding focal points to pre-painted backgrounds 😊
I use a window, it's a light 'box' by taping the the design I want to trace to the window, tape the corners of the watercolor paper on top of the design. Of course, you can only do this in daylight. I like many of your ideas too.
Thank you, Jackie. The information you provide is perfect for a novice like me. I have subscribed as a result. I look forward to seeing more of your work. 😊
I am feeling a bit frustrated right now because of how hard it is to transfer the image as clearly and perfectly as I want. 😅 I am still not sure which method I prefer, but my Aquarelle cold-pressed paper is a bit too opaque to see the details clearly with a light box. I am going to push forward and just keep trying things out until I find what works for me. Thanks again! 😊
You may want to try taking your lightbox into a dark room, it may be easier to see through the paper, if the light box is the only light on. When it’s really sunny in my house, I go to a dark corner to trace.
If I really do not want any graphite on my painting, I do the sketch with watercolor pencils to match the colors of paint that I'll be using. For the pencil method, a light box can be useful, because it allows you to do the scribbling only where you're going to need it.
I love my light box, too, but I have trouble hitting that power button with my left hand while I’m drawing with my right because of the way I drape my arm around the box. 🤦♀️ I use the light box to do a drawing from a photograph, too. Nice, informative video- thanks!
Thank you so much for this helpful video. I see you have the papers taped. What kind of tape? I have an old fashioned light box that doesn't have a non-light edge. Is it OK to tape to the light surface without harm? Thanks again.
I use artists tape. On my light box I use very small bits of tape just to keep that paper from shifting while I trace. I remove the tape and paper as soon as I’m done tracing.
Hi Jackie - Great video. I'm a novice watercolor painter, and my drawing skills are not the best, so these techniques will be of great help to me. Thanks for sharing and continued success. Love PegEgg
You can knock out a step if you have a light-box: put the original (sand dollars) face down on the the box, put the tracing paper on top, copy, and then flip the tracing when you go to transfer it. You now have the copy, plus the option to re-flip and go again if you want to reuse the now-retraced images.
Yep, great idea. I like having the tracing on both sides, so i can flip it around and know I can transfer it from either side once I find the perfect placement. For larger drawings or one you won’t flip, totally makes sense to cut out extra steps 😊
The forth method was taught in school. We used greaseproof paper i learnt this 60 years ago nothing new or amazing! I would always do this and never dream 9f using the overall pencil coverage on the back which is fat too messy.
Another great way of making your own wax free transfer paper, is to take a sheet of plain tracing paper (very thin, and light). Cover the surface with a hard rubbing of graphite - I use a thick stick of graphite. Then, take a cotton ball or cotton pad (like for removing make up), dip it in isopropyl alcohol, I use either 70% or 90%, and wipe the entire surface down. Let it dry. I like to repeat the process for maximum coverage. All the excess powder has been removed with the alcohol wipe. You are now ready to use it like the Saran paper, only this is much, much better! The lines will be perfectly light, and you will get nearly a dozen or more uses from a single sheet!
Hi. I’m a new subscriber and have been diligently watching your videos 😊. When I travel I have my art supplies and iPad but no printer or light box. Is it possible to trace directly over the iPad screen with tracing paper using lead pencil onto Procreate if the image is locked? This may influence whether I buy a larger iPad or the iPad mini and my imminent upgrade.
A little extra tip for the pencil rubbing method: Once you're done rubbing the pencil on the back of the original, hold it up against the light. That way, you can see the original and the rubbed area at the same time, and you can check that the whole tracing area is covered and you didn't miss any spots.
Just wondered if you could draw over design with a stylus or fine embossing tool gently it would deboss the sketch book /card underneath then choice to draw in lines or paint to indentation.
I would try it and see how you like it. I would have trouble seeing the indentation. Also, when you paint the pigment may settle in the indentations and leave a dark line if you paint over the indentation.
I’m just beginning (76) to try sketching. I don’t know how to water color. I want to try acrylic on boards. Can I use tracing paper to transfer to a board for acrylics?
1. Light box 2. Graphite transfer paper 3. Rub a pencil on paper and use it like transfer paper 4. Draw on both sides of tracing paper to see where you want to place your drawing then use it like transfer paper
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As a young child back in the sixties, I actually taught myself how to draw by tracing pictures. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was actually developing ‘muscle memory’ by doing the tracing and also learning how to observe and therefore develop an ‘artists eye’.
That’s wonderful!
I’ve been using permanent markers to “trace” right on the pages of adult coloring books. I recently spent two months doing that with a detailed bird coloring book, and it has improved even my watercolor birds.
My problem is my eyesight is so bad, I can’t erase my transfer lines, because there will be no design to see. Maybe I just figure out a way to keep them as part of design.
This is exactly how I learned. But in the 1970’s with David Bowie album covers! 😂❤
@@beckyreed8938 magnifying glass. No really… I keep a 4 inch one in the same holder as my “serious work” fancy mechanical pencils & refills. So it’s always right there and became as habitual as grabbing the pencils or refills.
Also great for quickly staring at hangnails and hand freckles instead of drawing, but that’s optional. 😂
I often use a watercolour pencil to draw the design on the paper because then when you paint it the drawn lines blend in nicely with your painting without having to rub the lines back with the kneaded rubber.
I was just about to post the same comment.
@@ideasareLIMITLESS Love faber watercolour pencil crayons 💝
What a great idea 😊
At a watercolour class yesterday, they suggested using watercolour pencils to draw the pictures using the pictures' colours. This way, they blend into the picture when wet and no use of eraser.
I haven’t tried that. Sometimes you want your pencil lines to be visible through the first few layers for complex, detailed paintings. If the watercolor pencils dissolve right away, you won’t be able to see your drawing after the initial wash.
@@JackieHernandezWatercolorThat won’t happen if you use polychromos color pencils, as they are oil based and will remain visible under the first washes. I use a combination of erasable color pencils for the parts I want to have no visible lines and oil-based pencils for the parts I need to see the details. I use a color that matches the watercolor so that my washes are not muddy and the lines blend beautifully with the watercolor. I hate using graphite pencils because they always end up muddying my colors.
A show/competition may not permit the use of oil-based materials in the piece.
Thankyou ! Great idea
@@irisouyart if your graphite is mudding the color, you might be either
1) using too little color, or too weak a brand of paint, or
2) using too heavy a hand with the pencil, or using too dark/soft a pencil.
Lightly wiping a new sheet of Saral with a paper towel or soft cloth will brush off the surface powder and prevent smudging - and it will still be good for many transfers.
That’s a great tip. I’ll try that.
You were absolutely right about tip #4 being an awesome way to trace! I wasn't even aware that there is an "artist" tracing paper! Great video, Jackie! 👏👏
Thank you. I hope you give #4 a try!
When I was a kid I used my window for tracing or my café table glass top, with lamp underneath. That was my first "lightbox" I think.
We can be very creative if we want something to be done 😂
I used the window too and my arms used to get so tired 😂 Happy to have LED light tables now.
I’ve used the window, method, too!
I did too!
You were obviously a very innovative child !! Great idea 😊
As a young draughtsman, I had to transfer land surveys to lease maps on legal documents. Everyone used the window method, which worked even for thick legal paper.
I never thought about tracing a picture to paint. I thought you had to know how to draw.😮 Thank you for thecideas.
It’s totally okay to trace your own photos or photos you have a license to use (like from Unsplash). The hibiscus photo in this video is my picture.
Me too!! 🤯🎉
Painting and drawing are two totally different skills. It's OK if you can't draw. Just like a musician, who might be an excellent violinist but just can't get the hand coordination to play the piano very well. It's not cheating to trace just as long as you're honest about it.
Your delivery is excellent; you speak and teach so very well. Your viewers may find it helpful that one must use wax free graphite transfer paper, so the wax residue does not repel the watercolor. I have not found the transfer paper to be messy, as I do not handle it much. I have been using the same sheet for years! The pencil scribbling on the back of the drawing I find to be more likely to transfer graphite and be messy. These are all excellent ideas. Thank you so much!
Thank you! The Saral transfer paper is wax-free and does not repel watercolor. It’s good to point that out as a key feature to look for in transfer paper.
I love the tracing paper method. Thanks! I found a way to simplify it. Instead of tracing over the lines to transfer the pencil to the watercolor paper, I rubbed over the lines. You could use a popsicle stick. I happened to have a glass nail file with a rounded end and used that. That way I didn’t have to be too precise. I used an 8B pencil so it was very soft and easy to transfer.
Great idea.
Couldn’t ask for better explanations of these techniques, good job
Glad you enjoyed it!
MyArtScape graphite paper leaves no mess at all behind and you can use either side. And it’s eraseable so any mistakes can be easily corrected. Not affiliated, just love the product!
Thanks for the recommendation!
I loved this video. You were so calm and didn't repeat yourself over and over like some instructors do. Thanks for this info! I just subscribed.
Thank you. I film many takes and edit ruthlessly. 😂
@@JackieHernandezWatercolor ...and it ends up in a perfect result. 🙂
I’ve also used chalk or soft pastels in place of covering the back with pencil. Especially if it’s a larger piece, chalk/pastel goes much faster.
I learnt these methods many years ago at school. 1960s and 70s. Glad some things are still the same.
Saral tracing paper also comes in several colors - white, yellow, blue, and red. Yellow will show up on white watercolor paper without the messiness of graphite. Any smudges in an area you need to stay pure white can easily be erased, but the colored Saral doesn't smudge as easily as the graphite.
Such a great tip. I haven’t tried the other colors. They’re all erasable too?
ohhh those last tips! 😮 i feel like i may have known about this at some point in my life but not sure.
when i was younger i used to trace using baking paper which basically looks like those tracing papers you showed. i may try this again one day and see if it works well.
I hope you give it a try!
The 2H pencil is a good idea. However, I accidentally used my silver metallic pencil one day for a transfer, and it vanished... after the painting was done, I could hardly see the silver lines, much less have to erase them. I use the silver pencil routinely now.
Great video. Thank you for posting! 🎉
That’s cool! Thanks for watching.
I used to purchase a pack of tracing paper (8.5”X11”) and placed it between my drawing and the watercolor paper. No matter how hard I tried I always ended up with a messy watercolor sheet. Since then I either cover the back of my drawing with light graphite or, if I already know what paint is going where, I used a watercolor pencil. That pencil dissolved when I started painting. Your last method of just applying pencil where the drawing’s lines are is what I do if the drawing is very simple. Again, if I know what paint colors go where I will use a watercolor pencil on the backside of the drawing. Great video. I am sure many people learned a great technique.
I wasn't aware that there was an artist tracing paper either! Great tips, thanks so much for sharing! 🌻
Your welcome. I didn’t know about the tracing paper either, until I ran out and borrowed some from my kids. I ordered more of the Strathmore Tracing Paper right away 😊
What a pleasant and clear presentation. Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Very helpful! You are an excellent teacher, Jackie. You give simple yet precise instructions, and point out difficulties you may encounter along with ways to avoid them. I learn so much from your channel. Thank you.
😊 Thank you so much. I’m really glad this information is helpful. I’m trying to share what I’ve learned as a self-taught artist, in hopes it will help others.
I've done that for years with children in art class as a former art teacher. I also use it in my current community education class.
That’s great!
Using watercolour pencils for outlining is a game changer👊
Love how clearly you explain things!
I use baking paper to transfer drawings and it works great.
That's a great idea! Do you use it like tracing paper?
@@JackieHernandezWatercolor yes! Its clear and I can cut the size I need. I can erase on it without any problem.
I can’t believe I never thought to try using the tracing paper as the transfer medium directly. I’ve always used the other methods (except the light box, since I use watercolor blocks mostly).
Thanks for the tips.
I used the tracing paper method all the time for painted paper collages. It’s really a handy trick. I hope you give it a try.
Even though I have a light box, I always trace image onto regular copy paper first and then put that tracing onto light box and trace onto watercolor paper. I keep all my tracings onto copy paper and file it away just in case I need that tracing again.
Great idea to keep all your tracings. I do the same!
A lint roller works much better than a kneaded eraser for removing excess graphite from the paper, especially if you are tracing a larger drawing. The more you use the lint roller over your paper, the more the tracing lines fade and leaves your paper free of graphite smudges.
Thanks for the tip!
🤯
Wow! I would never have thought of that thanks for sharing
I too started using tracing paper in my art work at school. I am now 60, back then tracing paper was regularly part of art and craft lessons, including sewing, pottery, painting and drawing. It’s great for designing and visualising ideas.😊
Love the last hack. Have always used that way to trace since schooldays but transferring to a painted background is a brilliant idea ,would never have thought of that👍👏👏👏
❤️ I hope you try it. It’s so fun to work on pre-painted backgrounds.
@@JackieHernandezWatercolor I will certainly try it, marking watercolours is right up my street. Your style of tutoring is brilliant, straight to the point with out unnecessary waffle. Thank you 🥳🫶
After the Lightpad, Tip #4 is my preferred method.
Depending on which motif you choose, it is enough to simply rub the back of the tracing paper with your thumbnail or a spoon instead of tracing it again. If necessary, and
because I'm rather lazy, I just print out the mirrored motif and trace it. This is particularly helpful if letters or fonts are included in the design. You can then enlarge or reduce the motif using the printer. If the paper doesn't have to be transparent then I use this method on the back of the printout. I then use the lightpad for this.
There are many ways to use this method.
Thanks for the great video 🤗🤗
Great tips! I’ll have to try the spoon for transferring. Mirroring the print out is a good way to cut out one round of tracing. Thank you.
@@JackieHernandezWatercolor I'm confused. Please explain the 'mirror' angle more. Thanks.
Thanks for these ideas, they all work! There is a graphite paper that isn't the carbon type so you stay cleaner and don't smudge.
Thank you, very helpful video! To avoid getting graphite on your fingers, you can make a "tab" from a fold of adhesive tape on the edge of it, then you would hold the tab to lift the graphite.
That's a great idea!
That graphite transfer paper looks awesome. My art teacher in highschool taught us how to do use the pencil tracing method eons ago! It works great😊
Thank you Jackie for sharing these very helpful methods🙏🙂
Glad it was helpful!
I did that last one as a kid. Good to be reminded!
I love graphite paper. I get it from DeSerres art supply (Ontario Canada). Like the tracing paper, there is a huge difference in the quality compared with standard graphite paper. I've been using the same 9x12 piece for over a year. Even when brand new, I never had the issue with graphite transfer to my hands. Nor are smudges much of an issue. I've used all of your methods, except #4, which is so simple and obvious, but I've never thought of it. Since I do mainly urban cityscapes/buildings, this is going to be a game changer- especially when I do seasonal triptych groupings.
Thanks for the advice on the graphite paper. I need to try a new kind. I’m glad you learned a new method you can use for your art 😃
I like to trace my drawings with a light colored watercolor pencil, it will just blend into the painting.
The pencil method is my “Go To “ now even larger paintings.
Love this. Thank you. I have a home made light Bix, but it's light isn't bright enough to show through 2 layers of paper! The last tracing method is definitely the best! Thanks also for the free resources. I'll be checking out your watercolour textures course too! 🤗
Your welcome. I hope you try the tracing paper method and put a light box on your wish list. Thank you for watching!
I really this "new to me" method with the tracing paper!
You're right. #4 is a game changer. Thank you!
😊 You’re welcome
Hi Jackie, I'm new to your channel and love it! Thanks for sharing so many techniques to transfer drawings. Also, it's very generous of you to provide a link to your free line drawing library. I'll check it out, as well as your other videos. I'm also going to share your channel link with my sister, as she is a fabulous artist! Wishing you a happy day.
Welcome! Thank you for sharing my channel. I really appreciate it 💕
Dot From the UK
Just found your channel, I'm glad I did. Lots of yummy information that I will be able to use. Thank so much for sharing. Looking forward to watching more of your videos, also watched, The Easy Sketchbook That Changed My Life, loved that one too. Lots of love from the UK, Dot xxx.
Welcome. Thank you for watching!
Excellent tutorial. Thank you!❤
Jackie! You've just become my best friend! I have the same light box as you do. I've FOREVER thought I had a broken one. Every time I'd touch it, it should turn off or get dimmer or brighter! I'd be in the middle of trasing something and the dammed thing would turn off! IT'S NIT BROKEN!! I HAVE A VERY GOOD LIGHT BOX!!!🤗😂🤣 I bought this from Amazon and the instructions that came with it was in such a tiny font, I just had to wing it! I also thought it was broken because I have to leave the charger cord plugged into it... but yours had the charger cord in it too!! THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH MY LIGHT BOX... although I'm not sure why it's called a light box when it's just a flat screen.. but I don't cats!!! I didn't get ripped off!!! I can use it!!! I haven't used it in months because every time I thought it had magically healed itself, it would dim out or just turn off. I'm a new watercolor student. It morphed from doing lettering and THERE'S too Zen tangles...I like coloring in my patterns. They are just like those beautiful 'adult coloring books' ( I don't like that name. It sounds like some kind of porn thing😂🤣😅) that you can buy and use felt tip markers. I can now make my own and color them in with wasteful. I've watched so many intimidating tutorials.. you artists are amazing. Slowly but surely I'm getting better but..I can't come up with my own sketches. I've just had to get good at copying but I used the eracer so much that my white watercolors paper turns grey and fuzzy!😊 But now I can trace them on my basically "brand new light box"!!! Again...Thank you so much. I look forward to learning from you!
I’m glad I could help. Just hold your finger on the power button and it will come back to full brightness. The cord is really a power cord not a charging cord, so it does have to be plugged in to turn on. Light boxes used to be the size of tables 😂 but thankfully we have LED lights now to make them so much thinner.
#4 is game changer. Thank you!!!
The last idea is perfect! Thanks so much for sharing your tips and beautiful art!! 😊
You’re welcome!
Your site is a wonderful discovery! I'm not a watercolorist. I use colored pencils and related media for coloring books. There are times when I like to add elements to an existing drawing. These are great ideas! Thank you so much. I can't wait to explore the other free tutorials you've kindly shared. Subscribing!
Thank you and welcome!!
That is very helpful, especially with the artist tracing paper !📄 Thanks for sharing!🤗
Thanks for watching! 😊
You have just inspired me - ! I can’t draw but I can certainly trace - art is now going to be so much fun ;) thanks for the generous tips :)
I’m so happy to hear that! Have fun!
Thank you I didn’t even know you could predesign backgrounds! How cool💕
Yes you can! They are fun to paint when you don’t want to draw and just want to play. Im working on another video about adding focal points to pre-painted backgrounds 😊
Thank for sharing these tips. Loved number 4, it’s going to be very useful 😊
Glad it was helpful!
EXCELLENT video! I learned so much, I decided to subscribe. Have you done any comparison videos on metallic watercolors?
I haven’t used metallic watercolors.
Thank you so much for sharing this information! (Until I saw this, I didn't realize that there was actual ARTIST tracing paper!)
Glad it was helpful!
@@JackieHernandezWatercolor It WAS! I should be getting my Strathmore tracing paper from Amazon TODAY!
@@JackieHernandezWatercoloryou’re amazing, do you have any for collection?
I use a window, it's a light 'box' by taping the the design I want to trace to the window, tape the corners of the watercolor paper on top of the design. Of course, you can only do this in daylight. I like many of your ideas too.
Wow! Thank you. You're an excellent teacher. I can't wait to try these.😊
Thank you 😊
Hi Jackie, I am so glad that I found your site! This was an excellent tutorial and so informative! Thank you so much. Helene
Welcome, Helene. I’m glad this was helpful.
Thank you, Jackie. The information you provide is perfect for a novice like me. I have subscribed as a result. I look forward to seeing more of your work. 😊
Thank you and welcome!
Well, you answered my question! I was wondering if my watercolor paper was too thick for the light box. That makes it super easy. Thank you :)
Works great for 140 lb. paper.
I am feeling a bit frustrated right now because of how hard it is to transfer the image as clearly and perfectly as I want. 😅 I am still not sure which method I prefer, but my Aquarelle cold-pressed paper is a bit too opaque to see the details clearly with a light box. I am going to push forward and just keep trying things out until I find what works for me. Thanks again! 😊
You may want to try taking your lightbox into a dark room, it may be easier to see through the paper, if the light box is the only light on. When it’s really sunny in my house, I go to a dark corner to trace.
If I really do not want any graphite on my painting, I do the sketch with watercolor pencils to match the colors of paint that I'll be using. For the pencil method, a light box can be useful, because it allows you to do the scribbling only where you're going to need it.
I love my light box, too, but I have trouble hitting that power button with my left hand while I’m drawing with my right because of the way I drape my arm around the box. 🤦♀️ I use the light box to do a drawing from a photograph, too.
Nice, informative video- thanks!
Sometimes I use my light table in portrait so the power button is at the top and as far away from me as possible 😊
What a fab demo - thank you so much
Glad you liked it!
Thank you so much for this helpful video. I see you have the papers taped. What kind of tape? I have an old fashioned light box that doesn't have a non-light edge. Is it OK to tape to the light surface without harm? Thanks again.
I use artists tape. On my light box I use very small bits of tape just to keep that paper from shifting while I trace. I remove the tape and paper as soon as I’m done tracing.
Hi Jackie - Great video. I'm a novice watercolor painter, and my drawing skills are not the best, so these techniques will be of great help to me. Thanks for sharing and continued success. Love PegEgg
You are so welcome!
thank you ~ you make it look all so easy. :)
thank you,very helpful
so useful. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Wonderful video. Really learned a lot and looking forward to trying this technique. So much easier to seeing the tracing. Many thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
That last tip is new to me, great idea!
Yay! I hope it’s helpful.
Wow...great explanations! Thanks😊
You’re welcome!
Thanks for all these tips!
You’re welcome!
Ok number 3 is genius!
I use vellum , then transfer onto the watercolor paper.
Great idea!
You can knock out a step if you have a light-box: put the original (sand dollars) face down on the the box, put the tracing paper on top, copy, and then flip the tracing when you go to transfer it. You now have the copy, plus the option to re-flip and go again if you want to reuse the now-retraced images.
Yep, great idea. I like having the tracing on both sides, so i can flip it around and know I can transfer it from either side once I find the perfect placement. For larger drawings or one you won’t flip, totally makes sense to cut out extra steps 😊
thank you so , so very much for this tutorial!❤
You are so welcome!
The forth method was taught in school. We used greaseproof paper i learnt this 60 years ago nothing new or amazing! I would always do this and never dream 9f using the overall pencil coverage on the back which is fat too messy.
That’s great you’ve known it for so long. I’m sharing it for those that aren’t already familiar with the method.
It you are on a tight budget, You can also use baking paper instead of tracing paper .
Thank you so much. ❤
I spray a light coat of fixative on my transfer paper and let dry. Then smudging isn't a concern.😊
Another great way of making your own wax free transfer paper, is to take a sheet of plain tracing paper (very thin, and light). Cover the surface with a hard rubbing of graphite - I use a thick stick of graphite. Then, take a cotton ball or cotton pad (like for removing make up), dip it in isopropyl alcohol, I use either 70% or 90%, and wipe the entire surface down. Let it dry. I like to repeat the process for maximum coverage. All the excess powder has been removed with the alcohol wipe. You are now ready to use it like the Saran paper, only this is much, much better! The lines will be perfectly light, and you will get nearly a dozen or more uses from a single sheet!
Great tip. Thanks for sharing.
Hi. I’m a new subscriber and have been diligently watching your videos 😊. When I travel I have my art supplies and iPad but no printer or light box. Is it possible to trace directly over the iPad screen with tracing paper using lead pencil onto Procreate if the image is locked? This may influence whether I buy a larger iPad or the iPad mini and my imminent upgrade.
Thanks for subscribing. I’ve seen other people use their iPad as a light box, but haven’t tried it myself.
This was very useful, thank youuuuu
You're welcome!
A little extra tip for the pencil rubbing method: Once you're done rubbing the pencil on the back of the original, hold it up against the light. That way, you can see the original and the rubbed area at the same time, and you can check that the whole tracing area is covered and you didn't miss any spots.
Great tip!
Thank you for the great info
You’re welcome
Thanks, very useful tips. BTW your studio is a beautiful space. :)
Thank you. I don’t actually have a studio. This is the corner of my dining room. I paint on my dining room table.
Thanks for sharing 😊
My pleasure 😊
Just wondered if you could draw over design with a stylus or fine embossing tool gently it would deboss the sketch book /card underneath then choice to draw in lines or paint to indentation.
I would try it and see how you like it. I would have trouble seeing the indentation. Also, when you paint the pigment may settle in the indentations and leave a dark line if you paint over the indentation.
Newbie here, clear, helpful and relaxing too, thanks!
Welcome!
Great video! Thanks.
You're welcome!
Thank you!!
You're welcome!
Thank you first time watcher subscribed now so helpful💕
Thanks for subscribing!
I’m just beginning (76) to try sketching. I don’t know how to water color. I want to try acrylic on boards. Can I use tracing paper to transfer to a board for acrylics?
Yes, other than the light table, all of these methods should work to transfer a drawing to a board. You may find the carbon paper the easiest.
That 2as very helpful thankmyou 😊
Very helpful! Thank you.
You're welcome!
Great! Thank you😊
Very informative!!! I’ll be subscribing to your channel!
Thank you!
1. Light box
2. Graphite transfer paper
3. Rub a pencil on paper and use it like transfer paper
4. Draw on both sides of tracing paper to see where you want to place your drawing then use it like transfer paper
Super super tutorial!
Thank you!
So cool! Thank you thank you thank you
You are so welcome!