Portrait From a Photo, Part 3

This is the photo I used for reference.

 This is the completed drawing on tracing paper with the grid beneath it.

There are many ways to transfer the drawing to the watercolor paper.  I will demonstrate two.

Turn the tracing paper drawing over and use cover the back with graphite as demonstrated in the photo below.

Turn the tracing paper drawing back to the right side, lay it on the watercolor paper (or whatever surface has been chosen) and carefully  tape the tracing paper to the watercolor paper so neither will move during the next step.

Trace on all the lines you want with a number two pencil. When you take off the tracing paper drawing, the lines have  been transferred to the watercolor paper because of the graphite you laid down on the back side.  In this example, I traced only a few lines because I intend to use the next technique instead of this one.  However, the pencil lead transfer method is an excellent one because the materials are always at hand.

There is also Transfer Paper which can be laid between the watercolor paper and the drawing. Do not use Carbon Paper which is different and doesn't erase.  Put the colored surface on the watercolor paper and lay the drawing on top.



It is important in all tracing work that all the sheets involved in the tracing are securely in place.  If any of the surfaces move during the tracing process the drawing will not be accurate.  Quilters use similar techniques and so do people who embroider and those who do woodworking.


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