Sketching and Painting Bunny

When I am inspired to paint something that I’ve never painted before (and sometimes things I’ve already painted), I find it helps to sketch it out first in a regular sketchbook. There are many online videos for how to draw or sketch most things. Sometimes I like to watch a quick sketching video because it helps me think about big shapes and I like to see how other artists approach sketching the subject. I’m not interested in every detail of how to draw something start to finish, I’m just looking for a little help to get me moving in the right direction.

There are many times when I just jump in with paint, but I believe (and hope) that more sketching will translate into better paintings. I use a regular or mechanical pencil and a spiral Strathmore sketchbook. Sometimes I also add color to my sketch with Prismacolor pencils.

This is an example of one of my quick bunny sketches. I worked on this sketch after finishing my bunny painting below. I started thinking that she could use a crown of flowers and that I should try a different color scheme.

Blue Bunny Girl was painted on 9×12 inch Arches cold pressed 140# watercolor paper. I really like her bright colors and big blue eyes. I’m not sure if I should name her Brave, Bold, or Bright Blue Bunny Girl…

Tips:

Painting and sketching the same subject a few times allows you to work things out and make improvements. Once I become more comfortable with a subject, I am able to loosen up and not overthink things and quite often that is when the creativity really starts to flow.
When painting the eyes, I use small brushes: round #2 and rigger #0. These brushes allow you to make very fine lines and have good control in a small space. Using a rigger brush can be tricky at first but once you get used to it, you will find that it is a great brush. I’m sure I’ve told you this before but I’ll say it again, I love that brush!

I hope you enjoy seeing my work and are inspired to keep painting, creating, and having fun. If you would like to receive notifications of new posts by email, simply click the follow button on the right. I would love to have you follow me on this journey.

You can see more of my work on Instagram and my website, PattyAnneArt. I hope you have a great week and do something fun.

Happy Painting!

Patty Anne